Florian Wirtz was right to reject Bayern Munich for Liverpool as Michael Ballack admits Bundesliga not a 'challenge' compared to Premier League

Wirtz completed a blockbuster €137 million (£116m/$149m) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool this summer, turning down the chance to join Bayern. The Bundesliga champions explored a €100m (£84m/$109m) package but ultimately lost out, as the 22-year-old opted to test himself in the Premier League. Former Chelsea and Bayern star Ballack has now backed Wirtz’s decision, insisting the Bundesliga is "no longer a true challenge" for top-tier players.

The ex-Leverkusen star's decision reflects a growing trend of elite German talent bypassing the Bavarians for opportunities abroad. Ballack pointed out that the Premier League has long since overtaken the Bundesliga in competitiveness and global prestige, meaning players like Wirtz and see more value in testing themselves in England. The Reds' big-money gamble highlights their intent to return to Europe’s elite, while Bayern’s struggles to lure homegrown stars underline a worrying decline in their pulling power.

Ballack told SPORT BILD: "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? 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. That’s why it’s generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players."

Wirtz will continue his adaptation at Anfield, where he has impressed with his creativity despite a slow start in terms of goals. Liverpool see him as a long-term successor to some of their ageing stars and a key figure in their bid for domestic and European glory.