Are Bayern Ruining The League?

If history is anything to go by, Bayern Munich is without a doubt, the biggest club in Germany. Perhaps this is why they have so much pull when it comes to signing players. We all know that Bayern has the funds, and the demand to essentially, bring on anyone who they please, but many clubs are now getting frustrated with the Bavarian giants, as they have now been accused of ‘poaching’ the hottest talent in the league. For years, Bayern dismantled Borrusia Dortmund's team, by signing players such as Mats Hummels, Robert Lewandowski, and Mario Gotze. They even went as far as signing Serge Gantry from Hoffenheim. But the latest player to join Bayern is one Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig. Laimer becomes the second player to leave ‘Die Roten Bullen,’ after Joshua Kimmich made the move back in 2015. Many are calling this poaching, but the Bayer faithful will tell you that it is good business. Bayern do not like to feel threatened and considering how close Leipzig finished to them in the league table, perhaps this will go down as just good business. Recent reports even suggest that Bayern went after Borrusia Dortmund’s very own Raphael Guerreiro, which if it is true, proves that Bayern will continue to poach as they see fit.

In what is perhaps the biggest signing of the transfer window so far, and perhaps the most anticipated; is Jude Bellingham leaving Borrusia Dortmund for Real Madrid. The 19 year has put pen to paper with ‘Los Blancos’ which will see him earn around €10 million per year. Dortmund sold the 2022/23 Bundesliga player of the season for a staggering €103 million, but this could increase to €134 million with the agreed terms for the add-ons. One can argue that these numbers are getting out of control, but unfortunately, it is what it is and this is what the market is demanding. This transfer does prove one thing; Dortmund are experts in nurturing young talent into world-class stars - with the likes of Erling Haaland too. 

On the latest episode of the Bundesliga connection, DW Sports correspondent Kres Harrington breaks down the latest transfer news coming out of German. Jude Bellingham makes his move to Real Madrid, Naby Keita returns to the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich is accused of ‘poaching’ the best talent in the Bundesliga!