Bundesliga faces reckoning as EPL flexes muscle

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

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Other than Liverpool signing Alexander Isak from rivals Newcastle, 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 €380 million (£300 million) plus bonuses was paid out on that quartet alone, with the two most expensive moving to the same club: Liverpool.

Premier League clubs spent more than €3 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.

Others, however, suggest that clubs could take advantage of the Premier League's wealth, potentially uprooting Germany’s well-established footballing hierarchy.

'PLAYING TOO SAFE'

Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn, the club's former goalkeeper, slammed German football administrators on Monday, saying that clubs and the league were content to play second fiddle.

Kahn called for changes in structure and in attitude.