Former Germany international Didi Hamann has launched a scathing critique of Bayern Munich and their new signing Ismael Saibari. The 53-year-old gave a frank assessment of the 25-year-old midfielder in an interview with Bild Sport this week.

Hamann, who earned 59 caps for his country, stated bluntly: "Ein Saibari ist ein wunderbarer Fußballer, aber er ist zu langsam. Der ist ja nicht schnell, er ist wie ein schlechter Kane." This comment references the approximately €50 million fee Bayern paid PSV Eindhoven for Saibari. In the same transfer window, the record champions also signed Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt for a base fee of €50 million plus add-ons.

Where Saibari fits in Vincent Kompany's squad

Manager Vincent Kompany is reshaping his squad following last season's Double win, having lost over 100 appearances and more than 25 goals with the departures of players like Guerreiro, Goretzka, and Jackson. Saibari is primarily viewed as a backup to striker Harry Kane in the system of the 40-year-old Belgian. Although the Moroccan can theoretically play in four positions, he is currently only believed to be capable of operating behind the Englishman. On the wings, Serge Gnabry is considered the far superior option. The future of Alphonso Davies remains uncertain, as does the long-term planning around Jamal Musiala.

How the investments are paying off so far

Saibari made his Bundesliga debut on matchday three, coming on as a substitute in the 5-1 home win against VfB Stuttgart. In the 82nd minute, he assisted Aleksandar Pavlovic for the 4-1 goal. In stoppage time, he then set up Luis Diaz for the final score. A week later, however, he was largely anonymous in the 0-0 draw at Schalke 04, registering few attacking actions. These performance fluctuations underscore Hamann's concerns. The current squad overview shows how Kompany is building his team around the expensive new signings.

What the speed critique means for Bayern

Hamann's analysis hits a nerve. Harry Kane is famously not the fastest striker, and with Saibari, Bayern would be fielding another player lacking pace in central attacking roles. In a league increasingly focused on dynamism and quick transitions, this could become a strategic issue. The club, however, is banking on the player's technical qualities. The upcoming fixtures will reveal if Saibari can find his niche. Next up is the away match at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Didi Hamann's criticism raises questions about the German champion's transfer strategy. Whether Saibari can live up to the high expectations must be proven on the pitch in the coming weeks. His contract with Bayern Munich runs until the summer of 2030.