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Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.(Image: Stu Forster\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nMichael Ballack has had his say on Florian Wirtz’s decision to reject Bayern Munich in favour of joining Liverpool this summer<\/p>\n
11:02, 10 Sep 2025Updated 11:05, 10 Sep 2025<\/p>\n
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.(Image: Stu Forster\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Michael Ballack was not surprised to see Florian Wirtz reject Bayern Munich in favour of a move to Liverpool this summer. The Bavarians had been favourites to sign the Germany international from Bayer Leverkusen, only to see him snub their advances in favour of a then-record switch to Anfield<\/a> in a deal worth up to \u00a3116m.<\/p>\n Bayern did not react well to missing out on the midfielder, with club chiefs firing numerous public digs following his decision.<\/p>\n The German media have also taken a particularly harsh approach to Wirtz<\/a> during the September international break following a quiet start to his Anfield career.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Liverpool transfer decision clear as impact of Marc Guehi move collapse felt<\/a>READ MORE: Marc Guehi fires three-word message after failed Liverpool transfer<\/a><\/p>\n Ballack joined Bayern from Leverkusen himself in the summer of 2002, winning three Bundesliga titles with the club before departing for Chelsea on a free transfer at the end of his contract in 2006.<\/p>\n And while the former midfielder insists a move to Bayern would have been a good move for Wirtz, he admits the Bundesliga is no longer attractive to top players and can\u2019t compete with the Premier League<\/a> for elite stars.<\/p>\n “Of course, English clubs pay insane amounts,\u201d Ballack told Bild<\/a> when asked about his former club failing to sign both Wirtz and striker Nick Woltemade. \u201cBut even for Wirtz, Bayern were prepared to put together a package worth up to \u20ac100 million.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd as for Nick Woltemade: That’s a different case. Bayern has a financial budget. The club has excelled for decades by staying out of debt and growing big.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s why I understand why Bayern decided not to pay more than \u20ac55 million for Woltemade. Because the player wasn’t worth more to them.<\/p>\n \u201cBut fundamentally, I’m concerned about something else. Let’s take Wirtz as an example: Does it make sense for him and his development to play in the Bundesliga for Bayern for another two or three years?<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, he wins championships there. But is the Bundesliga still a challenge for him at the highest level?<\/p>\n \u201cNo, because the Bundesliga was overtaken by the Premier League years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’s the reality. That’s why it’s generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players. That’s why changes are needed.”<\/p>\n