Joshua Kimmich has voiced criticism of the transfer market's fluctuations, stressing that players cannot be held responsible for the escalating transfer costs. The Bayern Munich star points to the vast financial power of the Premier League as the decisive element.

According to FIFA reports, men's football clubs spent a record $9.76 billion on international transfers. With the Bundesliga, once a big spender, facing tougher competition, the champions missed out on major targets this summer, including Wirtz at an unacceptable price. For German football, this raises questions not only about competitiveness but also about the long-term sustainability of clubs unable to match the Premier League's financial strength.

Before the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, Kimmich admitted: “It’s hard to grasp, for us players and fans alike, how much money is paid for a player. We can’t control those amounts and, honestly, we can’t really influence them either. Especially when such huge transfer fees are involved, it must be said that ultimately, it’s the market that determines these sums.”

He also highlighted the dominance of English football: “If you look at the Premier League, it’s clear they have available finances, through ownership and TV rights, so they can easily pull those funds from their pockets.”

This statement came after Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, condemned the trend of extravagant spending. In reality, the Premier League continues to lead blockbuster deals: Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz for £116 million and Alexander Isak for £125 million, while Newcastle spent £69 million on Nick Woltemade, surpassing Bayern.

On the pitch, Bayern will continue their Bundesliga campaign with a match against Hamburger SV on September 13 at Allianz Arena. They currently top the table, but Kimmich’s candid remarks reveal long-term concerns about competitiveness amid the financial might of English clubs.