Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has questioned Florian Wirtz’s decision to leave German football for Liverpool, suggesting a move to Bayern Munich would have benefited the Bundesliga.
Watzke believes keeping one of Germany’s biggest young stars in the domestic league would have been more valuable for the competition,Softfootball understands.
Wirtz completed a major transfer to Liverpool after an impressive spell with Bayer Leverkusen. The midfielder became one of Europe’s most highly rated young players during Leverkusen’s successful campaign, attracting interest from several elite clubs.
His creativity, technical ability and vision made him a central figure in the German side’s rise. Bayern Munich were also strongly linked with the player, but Liverpool eventually secured his services in a deal reported to be worth around £116 million.
Watzke’s comments reflect the broader concern in German football about retaining elite domestic talent. Bundesliga clubs have frequently lost their best players to major European leagues, although Bayern have also been able to keep several stars in Germany.
Wirtz’s move to Liverpool now gives him an opportunity to test himself in the Premier League and compete for major European honor.
