'The Bundesliga is not attractive for top players' By Rune Gjerulff

Former German international Stefan Effenberg says this transfer window has shown that the Bundesliga is currrently not attractive for the best players in the world.

Axel Witsel (left) with Dries Mertens. Photo: Кирилл Венедиктов/Soccer.ru/CC-by-SA 3.0

After moving from Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian to Borussia Dortmund, Axel Witsel is arguably the most remarkable player to join the Bundesliga from a foreign club this summer.





According to former German international Stefan Effenberg, that shows that the Bundesliga clubs currently aren't able to lure the best players in the world to the league.



"When I look at the Bundesliga transfers, the most notable player, who has come from outside, is Axel Witsel at Dortmund. He is undoubtedly a really good player, but he comes from Tianjin Quanjian in China and has never played in one of Europe's top leagues," Effenberg told Sport Bild and added:



"If this is one of the most notable new players, then it's clear: The Bundesliga is currently not attractive for top players. And that's why I'm sure that the gap between the Bundesliga and the Premier League as well as the other top leagues will be much bigger."



Witsel joined Borussia Dortmund for €20 million which makes him the second most expensive player to join the Bundesliga from a foreign club this summer. This summer's most expensive Bundesliga newcomer is Alessane Plea who made the move to Borussia Mönchengladbach from OGC Nice for €23 million.







Read more:

How a horror tackle changed Axel Witsel



Frankfurt boss wary of threat from wealthy Premier League clubs



'A 25-year-old from Manchester United laughs at an offer from Bayern'



Overview: This summer's Bundesliga transfers





