Rummenigge Criticizes Premier League Spending as Bayern Munich Backs Away From Woltemade Pursuit
Munich, Germany – September 29, 2025 – Former FC Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has sharply criticized the escalating transfer fees in modern football, specifically citing the Premier League’s acquisition of German striker Nick Woltemade as an example of “idiotic” spending. The comments come as Bayern Munich reportedly declined to compete financially for the 23-year-old, who ultimately moved to Newcastle United for a reported €90 million.
Rummenigge revealed he advised against pursuing Woltemade, arguing the potential transfer fee was unacceptable. Speaking on Bavarian Radio Sunday evening, he stated, “I said: We come in in order of magnitude, I no longer find them acceptable. We shouldn’t meet all demands.” He shared this stance with current Bayern leadership including Uli Hoeneß, Herbert Hainer, Max Eberl, and Jan-Christian Dreesen, before Woltemade’s move to England. “I can only congratulate them in Stuttgart that they have now found one – I now say in quotation marks – idiots who paid so much money – because we would not have assured that in Munich,” Rummenigge added.
The escalating costs are prompting calls for intervention from football’s governing bodies. Rummenigge urged FIFA and UEFA to initiate a dialogue to address the issue. “You are responsible for all the transfer topics. We cannot keep going every year, more and more, and faster,” he stated.
Bayern also missed out on another German talent this summer,with Florian Wirtz opting for a move to Liverpool FC from Bayer Leverkusen. “We actually feel a bit sorry for Florian as he is a great player and I think he would have suited us perfectly too,” Rummenigge commented, noting Wirtz has experienced a challenging start with his new club. Woltemade, meanwhile, has scored two goals in his first five appearances for Newcastle United.
