Muller Criticizes Neymar-Level Transfer Fees Amid Wirtz Move

Bayern legend Thomas Müller slammed soaring transfer fees, calling Neymar’s €222 million move surreal while reacting to Florian Wirtz’s €150 million transfer to Liverpool. Speaking to CBS, the 35-year-old stressed how such figures have become meaningless.

For the team at Bayern Munich, the build-up to their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash against PSG has been accompanied by some sharp off-field commentary. Veteran midfielder Thomas Müller, who is set to bid farewell to the club after 25 years, criticized modern football's skyrocketing transfer fees, calling them "surreal." Speaking to CBS, Müller specifically highlighted Liverpool’s €150 million signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, comparing the figure to Neymar’s record-breaking €222 million move to PSG in 2017.

He questioned the logic behind such sums, saying, “What are 150 million? You can’t imagine it. You can’t get Neymar, but you can plant many trees with that.” Wirtz's transfer is now the most expensive in English football history, surpassing all previous deals by Premier League clubs. At 35, Müller is known for his candid takes, and his remarks come just as Bayern prepares to strengthen their squad for the 2025–26 season.

With the Club World Cup match against PSG scheduled for July 5 in Atlanta, Bayern's focus is divided between achieving success in the tournament and planning a squad refresh for the upcoming campaign, with Müller’s comments likely to spark further debate around the economics of football.