
Florian Wirtz Right to Reject Bayern Munich for Liverpool, Says Michael Ballack
Ballack Claims Bundesliga ‘No Longer a Challenge’ Compared to Premier League
Florian Wirtz’s decision to turn down Bayern Munich and instead complete a record-breaking transfer to Liverpool was one of the biggest stories of the summer window. The 22-year-old German playmaker, who helped Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, sealed a €137 million (£116m/$149m) switch to Anfield, making him the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history.
While Bayern Munich were reportedly willing to offer a package worth €100 million (£84m/$109m) to bring Wirtz to the Allianz Arena, the player opted for a new adventure. For some, the move represented a gamble—leaving the comfort of German football for the intensity of the Premier League—but former Germany and Bayern captain Michael Ballack insists Wirtz made the right choice.
Michael Ballack on Why Wirtz Chose Liverpool Over Bayern
Speaking to SPORT BILD, Ballack made a point that will resonate with many Bundesliga followers: the league, once a hotbed of fierce competition, is no longer the challenge it once was.
“Let’s take Wirtz as an example,” Ballack said. “Does it make sense for him and his development to play in the Bundesliga for Bayern for another two or three years? Of course, he wins championships there. But is the Bundesliga still a challenge for him at the highest level? No, because the Bundesliga was overtaken by the Premier League years ago. That’s the reality.”
Ballack’s comments underline a growing sentiment among German players: Bayern may still dominate domestically, but the true test of greatness now lies abroad. Wirtz, by choosing Liverpool, is following a path already taken by the likes of Kai Havertz, Ilkay Gündogan, and Leroy Sané, all of whom sought the intensity and exposure of English football.
Liverpool’s Big Statement of Intent

Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao – Pre-Season Friendly Wirtz
For Liverpool, this deal was about more than just signing a star player. Wirtz represents the club’s ambition to rebuild under Arne Slot, to refresh an ageing midfield, and to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for both domestic and European honours.
Despite a quiet start in front of goal, Wirtz has already shown flashes of brilliance—his vision, passing range, and ability to unlock defences making him an instant fan favourite at Anfield. The Reds view him as a long-term successor to players like Thiago Alcântara and Mohamed Salah, and as someone capable of becoming the creative heartbeat of the team for the next decade.
Bayern Munich’s Declining Pull
Bayern’s failure to sign Wirtz is emblematic of a bigger issue. Once the undisputed destination for German talent, Bayern are now facing more resistance as players look to test themselves abroad. While Bayern remain dominant in Germany, winning the Bundesliga has become an expectation rather than an achievement—an environment that can feel stale for elite players seeking to push their limits.
Ballack himself knows what it takes to leave Germany at the peak of one’s powers. His own move to Chelsea in 2006 was motivated by a desire to compete in what was then an emerging Premier League. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the English top flight has cemented itself as the most competitive league in the world, offering players weekly battles against world-class opposition.
The Bundesliga vs. Premier League Debate

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund – Bundesliga
Ballack’s comments reignite the conversation about the gap between the Bundesliga and the Premier League. In Germany, Bayern’s dominance has seen them win 11 consecutive league titles before Leverkusen’s triumph last season. While that streak finally ended, the reality remains that Bayern still enjoy a financial and competitive advantage over most of their domestic rivals.
By contrast, the Premier League boasts a genuine “big six” (and now arguably a “big eight”) where multiple clubs have the resources to compete for top players and titles. Each season feels unpredictable, and the stakes are higher—something that clearly appealed to Wirtz as he made his decision.
Wirtz’s Next Chapter at Anfield
Wirtz’s move to Liverpool has sparked excitement among supporters, but also carries a weight of expectation. At €137 million, he will be judged not just on moments of magic but on his ability to deliver consistently. The Premier League is physically demanding, its tempo unrelenting, and adapting can take time—even for players of Wirtz’s calibre.
Nevertheless, early signs are encouraging. His link-up play with Darwin Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai has already shown promise, and his composure on the ball suggests he will thrive once fully settled. Liverpool believe they have acquired not just a star, but a future Ballon d’Or contender.
Ballack’s Verdict: A Brave but Necessary Step
For Ballack, Wirtz’s decision was not just brave but necessary for his evolution. “That’s why it’s generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players [to stay],” Ballack said of the Bundesliga. In other words, staying at Bayern may have guaranteed trophies, but moving to Liverpool guarantees growth.
And that growth is exactly what Liverpool are betting on as they look to close the gap on City and reclaim European dominance.
The Bigger Picture for German Football
Wirtz’s transfer may also spark introspection in Germany. If the country’s brightest stars increasingly see the Premier League as the pinnacle, the Bundesliga must find ways to remain attractive—not just for fans, but for players. That could mean more investment, more competitive parity, and a stronger European presence.
For now, though, Liverpool supporters can celebrate a major coup. Florian Wirtz chose Anfield over the Allianz Arena, and with Michael Ballack’s full endorsement, the young German playmaker now carries the hopes of the Kop as he embarks on the most challenging chapter of his career.
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