The Complex Case of Amir Sahihti: A Talent on the Brink
Refusal of National Team Call-up
In September 2025, Amir Saheiti declined his call-up to the Kosovo national football team, a decision that has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. Coach Franco Foda had included him in the roster for World Cup qualifying matches against Switzerland and Sweden, but Saheiti opted out, citing concerns over playing time. He stated, “There are players who start despite not having played for months. I play for Hamburg, a great club, and I’m in good shape. I have no issue being on the bench for professional reasons, but I want to play when I deserve it. This isn’t happening, so I informed the national team manager that I wouldn’t be attending this time.”
The Irony of His Absence
Saheiti’s decision is particularly noteworthy considering he is relatively new to the Kosovo national squad. After being regularly included in the last UEFA Nations League campaign, where he appeared as a substitute several times, his dissatisfaction seems even more absurd. During the playoff matches against startland, he managed a total of 57 minutes on the pitch, which was insufficient for his standards. Foda has since avoided any contact with Saheiti, commenting that he made inappropriate remarks about fellow players, behavior unacceptable for any athlete.
Current Status at Hamburg
Ironically, Saheiti is also struggling to find his place at Hamburg. He has not featured at all since two disappointing appearances at the start of the Bundesliga season, and the club is currently seeking a new destination for him. Despite showcasing promising performances last season in the second Bundesliga after transferring from Hajduk Split for €1.2 million, he has fallen out of favor as Hamburg strengthened its squad over the summer.
Talent Yet to Flourish
Last season, there were flashes of Saheiti’s potential, particularly highlighted by a dramatic winning goal in January against Hertha Berlin. However, with the influx of new talent, including Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira on loan from Arsenal, Saheiti has found himself sidelined. German journalist Thomas Horner noted, “The reason for his omission is straightforward. There are players in the squad who are simply better than him.”
Character Challenges
Beyond his on-field abilities, Saheiti’s temperament and attitude present issues for coaching staff. The player’s history reveals a pattern of struggling to accept professional decisions that do not align with his expectations. At 27 years old, transitioning to a more disciplined player appears increasingly unlikely. Similar cases, like that of Ousmane Dembélé at Paris Saint-Germain, show that player transformation requires not just talent but also a receptive attitude towards coaching.
Saheiti has previously been characterized as somestart whose performance fluctuates wildly based on his emotional state, further complicating his integration into team dynamics. Croatian journalist Juraj Verdujak described Saheiti’s style as instinctive but lacking in tactical discipline, often leading him to play independently rather than collaboratively.
The Need for Discipline
While he undoubtedly possesses natural skill, Saheiti’s inconsistency and disciplinary issues hinder his potential. He is known for remarkable dribbling and speed but often fails in decision-making, particularly when it comes to scoring opportunities. His commitment to defensive efforts is also questionable, preferring to focus on offensive plays while neglecting his defensive duties.
Final Thoughts
As discussions about a potential transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv ensue, the club must weigh Saheiti’s undoubted talent against his track record of instability and ego-driven decision-making. It remains to be seen whether they will take the plunge on a player capable of immense success or steer clear of further complications associated with his temperament. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on whether they believe they can channel Saheiti’s raw talent into consistent, positive performances on the pitch.