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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 17:34, 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 concedes Wirtz would have won trophies with Bayern, he admits it would not have been an attractive move for the playmaker as the Bundesliga can\u2019t compete with the Premier League<\/a>.<\/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