Premier League's Transfer Might Forces Bundesliga Reckoning

The English Premier League’s record transfer summer has had an acute impact on Germany, where even Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have felt the impacts of English football’s growing financial muscle.

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BERLIN – The English Premier League’s record transfer summer has had an acute impact on Germany, where even Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have felt the impacts of English football’s growing financial muscle.

Other than Liverpool signing Alexander Isak from rivals Newcastle United, the top four most expensive Premier League arrivals this summer — Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Nick Woltemade and Benjamin Sesko — all came from the Bundesliga.

A total of €381.5 million (S$572.5 million) plus bonuses was paid out on that quartet alone, with the two most expensive — Wirtz, Ekitike — moving to Liverpool.

Premier League clubs spent more than £3 billion (S$5.19 billion) this summer, a record for a transfer window.

The shifting sands have led to debate about whether to pursue major structural reforms in Germany, like abolishing the fan-loved 50+1 rule, which restricts outside investment and ensures member control.