PSV’s transfer puzzle: Saibari millions arrive, but who stays or goes?

PSV kick off the new season with more questions than answers, yet the club is set to receive a multi-million-euro boost from the sale of Ismael Saibari. His move to Bayern Munich becomes official on Wednesday, injecting up to €50–55 million into the Eindhoven club’s transfer budget.

Trainer Peter Bosz has already warned that the bar must be raised higher at the Philips Stadion if PSV are to compete again this season. The club’s traditional rivals Feyenoord and Ajax have been active in the market, while the loss of Saibari removes the standout performer from last term’s title-winning side.

Earnest Stewart faces a pivotal transfer summer, with contract clauses for Sergiño Dest (€23m), Mauro Júnior (€12m) and Joey Veerman (€20m) offering potential windfalls. PSV can decline bids of this magnitude at any point, but the window for selling these players is limited.

Several other first-team players have soft departure wishes, including Ivan Perišić, Ricardo Pepi and Ryan Flamingo. Their exits could be seamless, but their availability is not in doubt. Bosz begins the season with a youthful squad and temporary line-up, handing opportunities to Amir Bouhamdi, Joël van den Berg and Fabian Merién.

The return of Ruben van Bommel and Alassane Pléa from long-term injuries is another key variable. If both recover fully, PSV may not need to sign an out-and-out striker, even without more than a handful of World Cup participants in the squad.

Stewart aimed to complete deals before or shortly after this summer’s World Cup but has yet to succeed. Replacing Saibari and Anass Salah-Eddine remains a priority, though the Moroccan international has not expressed a desire to return to Eindhoven. A replacement for the injured Jerdy Schouten is also required.

Bosz and Stewart are targeting experienced newcomers aged roughly 19 to 22 who already have a high number of top-flight appearances. Players such as Paul Wanner and Ricardo Pepi fit that profile, while interest in NEC’s Kodai Sano is noted in Eindhoven.

PSV’s €50–55 million from Saibari will be spent domestically and abroad to balance youth development with the experience needed for a title challenge. The club insists on a mix of proven performers and academy graduates, though some supporters argue that relying solely on young talent is not the path to a championship.

Bosz has previously stated that he risks losing control if PSV enter a title race with too many inexperienced players. Stewart and general director Marcel Brands share a preference for signing players who can step into the first team immediately, even if it means paying a premium.

The coming two months will determine how aggressively PSV pursue incomings and outgoings. The timing of clausule-based sales and the willingness of buying clubs to meet pre-agreed prices will shape the window. English clubs typically enter the market in mid-July, adding another layer of unpredictability.

PSV has avoided a complete sell-off in recent years and does not expect one now, though the market’s fluidity means nothing is guaranteed until the final days of the summer window close.