Michael Ballack believes that Florian Wirtz's big-money move to Liverpool was because of a lack of competition in the Bundesliga.
Wirtz completed his blockbuster transfer to the Premier League champions from Bayer Leverkusen in June, arriving at Anfield for £100m, plus a potential £16m in add-ons.
The German international recorded 30 goal contributions (16 goals, 14 assists) across all competitions in 2024-25, a total only bettered by five players in the Bundesliga.
He was a pivotal figure for the Werkself under Xabi Alonso, making 119 appearances under the Spaniard, while scoring 38 goals and providing 43 assists in that time.
Wirtz's performance saw him linked with a move to Manchester City and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but the midfielder opted to join Arne Slot's side on a six-year deal.
He has impressed for the Reds despite failing to register a goal or an assist, also netting a stunning free-kick in Germany's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.
And Ballack has backed Wirtz to shine in the Premier League, while also discussing Bayern's failed move for Nick Woltemade, who joined Newcastle United this summer.
"Of course, English clubs pay insane amounts," Ballack told Bild when asked about his former club failing to sign both Wirtz and Woltemade.
"But even for Wirtz, Bayern were prepared to put together a package worth up to €100m.
"And, 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.
"That's why I understand why Bayern decided not to pay more than €55m for Woltemade. Because the player wasn't worth more to them."
A move to Bayern, for many, seemed certain for Wirtz, with the club offering the chance of consistent silverware after reclaiming their Bundesliga crown in 2024-25.
Wirtz has, though, already won the Bundesliga as well as playing a starring role in Leverkusen's DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup triumphs in 2024.
Ballack believes this is no longer attractive to top players like Wirtz when he could be paid more in the Premier League and challenge for competitions that hold a lot more value.
"But fundamentally, I'm concerned about something else," Ballack added. "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. That's why changes are needed."
viddikrtz
1
please always read well B4 complained
Wamiklmsty
1
So he doesn’t like the completion in Germany, but opts to play for the number one club in England that also has little competition! What’s the difference?
futbcdesy
3
twavena kare
pimaeinrst
0
bro, what are you saying, Liverpool was the first team to play on Friday after playing community shield cup on Sunday, do you really watch football?
puocmortz
1
Bayern is the cause they don't allow other teams to grow they keep buying their best and left retired legs for them, just like laliga where Madrid and Barcelona intimidate other teams
Game-analyser
1
Only bayern munich is the giant team…some teams emerges as a one season wonder team then disappear…dortmund,leipzig,bayern leverkusen these teams were really coming nicely..now what they became just a selling club…and Bayern muncih tewm is no longer an exciting team….i world rank premier league,laliga and seria as the top 3 leaues in the world.there is no longer top 5 leagues…just top 3 leagues….French league and bundesliga only have one relevent and regular team
foabdeprty
0
Why do Liverpool always get Sunday or Monday games. Even if other teams played in midweek, Liverpool most of their league matches are on Sundays, if only late Saturdays evening games but mostly on Sunday or Mondays.
why a u crying
zoebsuyz
1
Harry was not top player in EPL… he won nothing and only played for bottom level Tottenham.
Do u know the meaning of bottom Team.. who scored more goals than kane in ur Team you support, Tell me the current Squads
BieberSmith
0
who is wirtz?
you're going to know
Zotabmnoy
0
Why do Liverpool always get Sunday or Monday games. Even if other teams played in midweek, Liverpool most of their league matches are on Sundays, if only late Saturdays evening games but mostly on Sunday or Mondays.
What are you talking about? Liverpool first game this season was on Friday and their following game was on Monday… don’t know how different playing in these days of the week… regular schedule are normally held weekend anything after that is overstretched.
Zotabmnoy
1
who is scoring more than harry kane?
Harry was not top player in EPL… he won nothing and only played for bottom level Tottenham.
Topcderu
2
Laliga also only two teams
Badhur
0
Ballack ???? EPL is the most challenging atmosphere to play in
Copbceryz
1
i do agree with Ballack cos how can a team like Sunderland is spending more than Barcelona and other big teams in eruop
ashaam
1
who is scoring more than harry kane?
Copbceryz
2
fully supported Ballack
ashaam
1
who is wirtz?
kadikmrsuz
2
Well said Mr Ballack. Bundesliga is no longer as interesting as it used to be.
futiklmopz
0
Why do Liverpool always get Sunday or Monday games. Even if other teams played in midweek, Liverpool most of their league matches are on Sundays, if only late Saturdays evening games but mostly on Sunday or Mondays.
I don't know why bro😂😂😂and I hate Monday game
Martins08
0
Why do Liverpool always get Sunday or Monday games. Even if other teams played in midweek, Liverpool most of their league matches are on Sundays, if only late Saturdays evening games but mostly on Sunday or Mondays.
I feel your pain🌚
jiobdmpru
4
Why do Liverpool always get Sunday or Monday games. Even if other teams played in midweek, Liverpool most of their league matches are on Sundays, if only late Saturdays evening games but mostly on Sunday or Mondays.
You are a bit jealous because they won their 3 matches, I believe if Liverpool won one match , drew two you won't be asking this question
Koabdoptuy
4
On point my Ballack..
Feyacdilnz
0
Why do Liverpool always get Sunday or Monday games. Even if other teams played in midweek, Liverpool most of their league matches are on Sundays, if only late Saturdays evening games but mostly on Sunday or Mondays.
lastg
3
a player that came to Chelsea and now his talking this bull
nothingyet
4
all world class player cant play for same team or league
wuyaenpryz
1
A$*v A&@0ar11¹¹11¹11@