Michael Ballack has said Florian Wirtz made the right decision to snub Bayern Munich for Liverpool this summer.
Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m in the summer, despite interest from the German champions.
The 22-year-old had shone at Leverkusen, where he helped the side to a maiden Bundesliga title without losing a game in 2023/24. Wirtz was also named Bundesliga Player of the Year in each of the last two campaigns.
Florian Wirtz for Germany vs. Northern Ireland:
◉= Most ground duels won (7)
◉ Most fouls won (4)
◉ Most chances created (3)
◉= Most shots (2)
◉ Most shot on target (2)And one fantastic free-kick. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/pYYIsGEgtj
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 8, 2025
Ballack, who made the move from Leverkusen to Bayern in his career before a spell in the Premier League with Chelsea, has backed Wirtz for heading abroad.
He believes English football overtook the standard of the Bundesliga ‘years ago’ and has supported Wirtz for testing himself in the Premier League.
“A move to Bayern would have made no sense for Wirtz,” the former Germany captain said.
“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.”
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