Ballack is adamant: "Premier League is way ahead of Bundesliga"
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 11.09.25. | 23:50
Former Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Chelsea player had his say about the quality of the two leagues, and the reasons behind Florian Wirtz's decision to join Liverpool
Manchester City flirted with the idea. Real Madrid weighed it up. Even Bayern Munich cast out a line. But when it came to Florian Wirtz, only Liverpool reeled him in - sealing a blockbuster €125 million deal (plus bonuses) that lit up the summer transfer window.
For German legend Michael Ballack, the move comes as no surprise.
In his eyes, the Premier League long ago pulled ahead of the Bundesliga - more glamorous, more competitive, and with a higher ceiling for elite talents.
"English clubs pay crazy amounts," Ballack admitted. "Even for Wirtz, Bayern weren't ready to go over €100m. And with [Werder Bremen striker] Nick Woltemade it was different - Bayern capped their bid at €55m because that's what they felt he was worth. The financial discipline is admirable, but my real concern lies elsewhere."
And that concern? The Bundesliga just isn't a proving ground anymore.
"Take Wirtz: would two or three more years at Bayern really push him forward? He'd win league titles, sure, but is the Bundesliga the ultimate challenge? No. The Premier League overtook it years ago. That's the reality. Top players don't see Germany as their final destination. That has to change," Ballack stressed.
Bayern's continental record only underlines the issue. Since 2020, they've reached the Champions League semis just once, and their recent Club World Cup flop hasn't helped their reputation.
"Bayern can beat anyone - but remember, Inter knocked them out in last season's quarterfinals," Ballack reminded.
Asked about favorites for this season's Champions League, Ballack was blunt: neither Bayern, City, nor Real Madrid make his shortlist.
"For me, they’re challengers, not outright favorites. Chelsea could spring a surprise, but I see Barcelona and PSG as the real contenders. Barca have Lamine Yamal, an extraordinary talent, and Hansi Flick fits perfectly as coach. PSG, the reigning champions, are world-class under Luis Enrique," concluded he.
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