Keeping Up With EPL Joneses

Bundesliga needs to reform its 50+1 rule to compete with lucrative leagues for talent

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LONDON - Liverpool's potential signing of German star Florian Wirtz for a purported €150 million ($219 million) would not only leave Bayern Munich in the lurch, but is also likely to rekindle debate about the Bundesliga's ability to compete with Europe's more lucrative leagues for talent.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who was widely expected to join Bayern next season, has signaled his preference to move to Anfield after talks with both clubs, the Bild newspaper reported on May 24.

Signing for Liverpool would reunite the German international with Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, who is also reported to be close to joining the Reds. The tug of war shows the boundaries the Bundesliga faces on the transfer market against England's Premier League.

TRACK RECORD Bayern have a long track record of luring Germany's best players with salaries domestic rivals cannot afford.

But the superior financial firepower of Liverpool and other Premier League clubs has made it increasingly difficult for them and other German sides to attract and retain top stars.