- Ballack says Bundesliga “no challenge” for Wirtz
- German international snubbed Bayern for Liverpool
- Former Chelsea ace backs transfer choice
AFPFlorian Wirtz was right to reject Bayern Munich for Liverpool as Michael Ballack admits Bundesliga not a 'challenge' compared to Premier League
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DirecTV
✅ Carries USA Network, guaranteeing access to the 30+ highest-profile English-language marquee matches per season (including Der Klassiker).
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Spanish Coverage
Peacock
✅ While the English rights are split between two platforms, Peacock streams all 300+ Bundesliga matches live and on-demand with authentic Spanish commentary.
✅ Provides a single, unified digital hub for bilingual fans who want guaranteed access to every single game on the schedule without switching platforms.
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Free Streaming
Fandango
✅ Serves as the primary English-language platform for the US market, streaming over 270 live Bundesliga matches throughout the season.
✅ For the first time in years, the vast majority of the schedule is completely free to access without requiring a monthly sports subscription.
✅ Easily accessible across smart TVs and mobile devices without needing a cable-authenticated login, operating similarly to other FAST (free ad-supported streaming) services.
Watch todayFREE
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries USA Network, guaranteeing access to the 30+ highest-profile English-language marquee matches per season (including Der Klassiker).
✅ Carries Telemundo and Universo alongside USA Network and CNBC, giving you access to the biggest matches across both English and Spanish broadcasts.
✅ Allows you to effortlessly record the live weekend matches airing on traditional television to watch later on your own schedule.
Monthly from$79.99
Spanish Coverage
Peacock
✅ While the English rights are split between two platforms, Peacock streams all 300+ Bundesliga matches live and on-demand with authentic Spanish commentary.
✅ Provides a single, unified digital hub for bilingual fans who want guaranteed access to every single game on the schedule without switching platforms.
✅ Your subscription also includes NBC's massive slate of English Premier League matches, allowing you to stream two of Europe's top leagues in the same app.
Monthly from$7.99
Free Streaming
Fandango
✅ Serves as the primary English-language platform for the US market, streaming over 270 live Bundesliga matches throughout the season.
✅ For the first time in years, the vast majority of the schedule is completely free to access without requiring a monthly sports subscription.
✅ Easily accessible across smart TVs and mobile devices without needing a cable-authenticated login, operating similarly to other FAST (free ad-supported streaming) services.
Watch todayFREE
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries USA Network, guaranteeing access to the 30+ highest-profile English-language marquee matches per season (including Der Klassiker).
✅ Carries Telemundo and Universo alongside USA Network and CNBC, giving you access to the biggest matches across both English and Spanish broadcasts.
✅ Allows you to effortlessly record the live weekend matches airing on traditional television to watch later on your own schedule.
Monthly from$79.99
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
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.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
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.
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