hoeneß Condemns Transfer Market Excesses, Labels Spending “Completely Gaga”
Berlin – Bayern Munich Honorary President Uli Hoeneß has sharply criticized the escalating spending in international football, describing recent transfer activity as “completely Gaga” and questioning whether clubs are losing touch with reality. Speaking at an event hosted by the German Football League in Berlin, the 73-year-old expressed his astonishment at the sums changing hands this summer.
Hoeneß’s comments come after Bayern Munich recently missed out on signing national players Florian Wirtz, who moved to Liverpool FC, and Nick Woltemade, now at Newcastle united, due to the financial power of the English premier League. English top-flight clubs spent over €3.5 billion on new players during the summer transfer window, setting a new record. He warned that “at some point the citizen says: Are they completely crazy?”
The Bayern executive urged the Bundesliga to resist the influx of investment from sources like Arab nations and American hedge funds, stating the DFL must ensure clubs “never have to accept this money.” He believes the Bundesliga needs to forge its own path and demonstrate leadership.
Looking ahead to the upcoming European season, Hoeneß surprisingly positioned Bayern Munich as underdogs, comparing thier situation to that of Hoffenheim. “I am looking forward to this coming season because we like Hoffenheim to the upcoming Champions League season. Nobody expects us,” he said, after receiving an honorary award for his contributions to German professional football.
