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UAE Transfer Moves And Morocco’s Saibari World Cup Breakout
Augustus Media FZ LLC
July 01, 2026
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From UAE Pro League transfer moves to Morocco’s World Cup breakout star, there’s plenty happening across regional football. Dubai’s Al Nasr have signed Romania midfielder Marius Marin, Al Ain have added Serbian defender Djordje Skoko to strengthen their back line, and Morocco’s Ismael Saibari continues to emerge as one of the standout names of the 2026 World Cup.
Ismael Saibari Emerges As Morocco’s World Cup Breakout Star
What Is It About
Morocco forward Ismael Saibari has become one of the standout names of the 2026 World Cup after scoring in all three group-stage matches and converting the winning penalty against the Netherlands. The 25-year-old PSV Eindhoven player helped send Morocco into the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada.
Why It Matters
Saibari’s rise has been huge for Morocco, especially with Brahim Diaz originally expected to lead the attack. Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, he chose to represent Morocco internationally and has now become a key part of their World Cup run, with 12 goals in 33 senior caps.
What’s Next
Saibari is set to join Bayern Munich next season after the German club agreed a deal with PSV that could rise to €55 million. Before that, his focus will be on helping Morocco continue their World Cup campaign against Canada in the Round of 16.
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Al Nasr Sign Romania Midfielder Marius Marin
What Is It About
UAE Pro League side Al Nasr have signed Romania international midfielder Marius Marin on a two-year deal until 2028. The 27-year-old joins the Dubai-based club as a free agent after leaving Italian side Pisa, where he spent nearly nine years in Italian football and made 23 Serie A appearances during the 2025/26 season.
Why It Matters
Marin brings Al Nasr a strong defensive midfield profile, known for ball-winning, intensity and tactical discipline. He also adds major international experience, with more than 35 caps for Romania, four starts at UEFA Euro 2024 and appearances throughout their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
What’s Next
His arrival continues Al Nasr’s summer rebuild after the club also signed Cape Verde winger Wesley Delgado from Saudi side Al Fateh. The Dubai club will now look to strengthen their squad further ahead of the new UAE Pro League season.
Al Ain Sign Serbian Defender Djordje Skoko
What Is It About
UAE Pro League side Al Ain have signed Serbian centre-back Djordje Skoko from FK Javor Ivanjica. The 23-year-old joins in a deal reportedly worth around €1.5 million, adding a 1.95m left-footed defender known for his aerial strength, physical presence and ability to build from the back.
Why It Matters
Skoko’s arrival strengthens Al Ain’s defence ahead of another multi-tournament campaign. It also adds to the club’s Serbian connection, with head coach Vladimir Ivić reportedly pushing for the signing as he looks to reinforce the squad with a disciplined and physically strong defensive option.
What’s Next
Skoko now joins the UAE’s most successful football club, with Al Ain holding a record 15 league titles and remaining the only UAE side to win the AFC Champions League. The focus now turns to how quickly he can adapt and compete for a place in the starting back line.
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SMASHI MOMENTS
Fans noticed Gianni Infantino’s reaction when Morocco won against Netherlands, and it seems like the FIFA president wasn’t happy.
A senior US government official said he “danced a happy dance” after Iran were knocked out of the World Cup.
Moroccan fans took to the streets of the Netherlands to celebrate.
Deep emotion from Ismael Saibari's mother after Morocco's victory over the Netherlands
Lamine Yamal’s first World Cup goal should have been the main talking point