Bayern lean on Saibari as Musiala’s illness threatens attack
FC Bayern Munich face a sudden gap in their attacking line‑up as 23‑year‑old offensive talent Jamal Musiala battles a neurological disorder, prompting the club to lean on their recent €50 million signing Ismael Saibari to maintain squad depth.
t‑online‑Kolumnist Stefan Effenberg nimmt die Münchner nun in die Pflicht – und sieht einen Transfer‑Coup. "Ich gebe ganz offen zu, meine allerersten Gedanken nach Bekanntwerden der Erkrankung von Jamal Musiala waren: Wie soll das für ihn jetzt weitergehen, mit nur 23 Jahren?" he said, adding "Wie geht er mit so einer Situation um?"
Musiala's health crisis
Musiala’s condition is described as a neurological dysfunction that can cause epileptic seizures, yet he stresses the disorder is not life‑threatening. He compared his situation to the Danish player Christian Eriksen, whose 2021 EM collapse involved a heart stoppage. Musiala announced the illness on Instagram on Tuesday evening, sparking a flood of questions.
In the two preparation matches before his diagnosis – against RB Leipzig last Saturday and against 1. FC Heidenheim on Tuesday – Musiala fell to the ground. He returned to action three days after the Leipzig incident, showing the club’s willingness to manage his absences carefully.
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Uli Hoeneß has publicly pledged Bayern’s support, while head coach Vincent Kompany must now balance planning around Musiala with the risk of further absences. The player is under permanent Beobachtung by the coaching staff, and every Startelfeinsatz will be scrutinised.
Saibari arrives as solution
In the summer Bayern paid €50 million to PSV Eindhoven for Ismael Saibari. The Moroccan forward recorded 19 goals and nine assists in 37 league matches last season and added three goals in five World Cup appearances. He is not a backup like Eric Maxim Choupo‑Moting; Bayern intend him for the Startelf or at least regular rotation.
Saibari’s arrival gives Bayern a reliable alternative while Musiala’s playing time remains uncertain. The club can now field a proven scorer without relying solely on the young offensive player whose health remains under observation.
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Effenberg urges Bayern to increase transparency, suggesting the club work with a neurology expert and publish clear information about Musiala’s treatment and expected minutes. He warns that unanswered questions about the Art of his condition could create unrest among the Millionenpublikums that follows every Spiel.