For Niklas Süle, Bayern Munich means more than money

Bayern Munich's newest center-back signing, Niklas Süle, spoke with Sport Bild about his decision to transfer to the Bavarian Rekordmeister and the special attractiveness that Bayern Munich possessed for him, despite the allure of higher wages in the English Premier League.

Bayern Munich won Süle over not merely because they struck first. Asked about the interest that Chelsea had also expressed in signing him away from Hoffenheim and the Bundesliga, Süle acknowledged the interest but denied that Bayern Munich had won out merely because they beat the Londoners to the punch. It was Bayern Munich's quality that prevailed. Süle stated,

It was simply the right step for me. Bayern is one of the top three clubs in the world; that's why I didn't have to think about it for long. The move to England came too soon for me: I wanted to stay in the Bundesliga and prove myself here on the best team.

Süle stressed that "no club in England could have been as attractive as Bayern Munich's offer," despite higher wages he might have earned or a higher transfer fee Hoffenheim might have received.

Despite the massive sums now routinely offered by English, Süle revealed that he is more impressed by Bayern Munich’s sound financial structure. The twenty-one-year-old showed virtually a fan’s appreciation of what makes Bayern Munich unique among European giants:

In financial terms, Bayern is set up like no other club in the world. It is really crazy and for me totally impressive: Bayern Munich is not dependent on investors, does not receive as much TV money as the clubs in England do, and despite that can keep up with the super-heavyweights of world soccer. The club is in an impressive position. That’s also why I decided in favor of transferring there.

After taking part today in Germany’s international friendly match against Denmark, Süle is now excited to play for Germany in the FIFA Confederations Cup, with Bayern Munich’s blessing:

For me, this tournament is a seriously big deal: I’m young, haven’t yet played many games for the national team. That’ll be a cool experience - I can play in official international fixtures. . . . I’d like to recommend myself by way of the Confed Cup for further games.

The young center-back thus has his sights set firmly on a future in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and a blossoming international career. Süle believes he can prove himself equal to the best in the world: “Bayern Munich signed me because the club is convinced of my qualities.”

Süle will embark on his new challenge at Bayern Munich two to three weeks into summer training, after the conclusion of the Confederations Cup.