As the preseason kicks off for FC Bayern Munich, the club is making headlines not just for its training sessions but also due to ongoing speculation surrounding player Michael Olise. The recent acquisitions of Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown are expected to bolster the team's ambitions for the UEFA Champions League title this season.
Currently recovering from an injury, Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari is anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing Bayern's performance. Just six days after Morocco's exit from the World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, Saibari reported for his first day at Bayern last Wednesday. His initial appointment involved a medical examination to assess the extent of his thigh injury sustained during the tournament and to determine when he could return to training.
Sporting director Max Eberl has previously described Saibari as one of the most exciting offensive players featured in the World Cup, emphasizing that he will add “additional quality and unpredictability” to the squad. Similar expectations surround Nathaniel Brown, a 23-year-old defender who predominantly played left-back for Eintracht Frankfurt. Brown's transfer is reported to have cost approximately €50 million, and he has also signed with Bayern until 2031, further solidifying the team's defensive and midfield options.
With the integration of both Saibari and Brown, Bayern Munich hopes to enhance their chances of clinching the Champions League title in their third season under the guidance of coach Vincent Kompany. Saibari, who wore the number 11 jersey for Morocco, will don the number 34 for Bayern, a choice made for a poignant reason.
However, Kompany's preparations faced some delays. Prior to the first training session on Tuesday, players underwent evaluations and performance diagnostics. Among those present were Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, both recovering from thigh injuries that sidelined them during the World Cup. Additionally, Tom Bischof, returning loanee Arijon Ibrahimovic from Heidenheim, third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, and David Santos Daiber were in attendance.
Despite expectations for João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, and Bryan Zaragoza to join the squad, Bayern does not plan to integrate them into their main roster, instead looking to potentially offload these players. The team is also navigating rumors connecting Michael Olise to Real Madrid. The 24-year-old Frenchman showcased his skills during the World Cup, leading with seven assists and proving his versatility not only as a right winger but also as a central attacking midfielder.
As the team transitions, all World Cup participants, including new signings Saibari and Brown, are scheduled for some time off before gradually returning to training. Players like Olise, Dayot Upamecano, and Harry Kane, who faced off in the third-place match last Saturday, will have the longest breaks. Injured players such as Saibari, Canadian participant Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala are also expected to rejoin the squad in August.
The majority of the team will commence training during a short training camp from July 27 to July 30 at Tegernsee. Following this, on August 1, Bayern will embark on a week-long trip to South Korea and Hong Kong, culminating in their first competitive match on August 22 in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Borussia Dortmund.
As reported by zdfheute.de.
