‘Financial madness’ - More sour grapes from Bayern Munich over Newcastle United
Newcastle United gazumped Bayern Munich in the race to sign Nick Woltemade over the summer.
Bayern Munich all-time great Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has called Nick Woltemade’s transfer fee as “financial madness” following his Newcastle United move.
It is no secret that the German giants targeted Woltemade earlier this year. Bayern are understood to have seen a €60million bid rejected - with the Magpies getting their man for £69million.
Likewise, the Bavarians were outmuscled by Liverpool for German golden boy Florian Wirtz. This has fuelled debate among Bundesliga clubs about whether they can compete with the Premier League.
Bayern Munich legend speaks out
Bayern’s two-time European Cup legend Rummenigge fired a fresh swipe at Newcastle for the Woltemade fee. He told Bild: “We could have signed Woltemade,” he said. “But I also have to say, FC Bayern would be wise not to participate in every financial madness. I’ve always said: We want sporting success, but please with serious and solid financing. We have a top team this year again.”
Sporting director comments
Christoph Freund, the Bayern’s sporting director, has belittled the Magpies by claiming money drove the striker’s decision. He told Metro: “You have discussions, you have a certain relationship. Ultimately, it’s the player’s decision as to what’s the best step for his career. We’re not involved in that.
“When you see how many top players have moved from the German Bundesliga to the Premier League in the last twelve months, including during this transfer window, the sums of money are flowing, how much money is at stake, that they have brutal opportunities in the Premier League.
“Not just two or three clubs - many clubs. Newcastle are a good club, but not the top tier. That’s quite extreme. There are many good players, we have to find the right ones for us, we have to put together the right team.”
Vincent Kompany agrees
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany also pointed towards the financial weight of the Premier League when discussing the Woltemade saga. He told reporters: “Money. But the truth is, I remember when I got promoted to the Premier League with Burnley. And then suddenly the TV money comes in, and that's €100million.
“For newly promoted teams. From a budget of €25million, €30 million, you suddenly get €125million, €130million. That's how much the Bundesliga teams in the top eight and top six get.
“And suddenly, we, Burnley, are competing with Frankfurt and Wolfsburg for players. Sunderland are now negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen and bringing in players from AC Milan. If you get to the Premier League with €100million, that doesn't mean anything, because the others have even more.
“It’s not just a debate for Bayern, but for the entire Bundesliga, how to stay competitive. The players who go to the Premier League didn't have five or six good years, but one or two."