Former Bayern Munich star Lothar Matthäus found himself in the middle of a war of words this summer after he opined on former VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade’s transfer value.
His comments drew a sharp rebuke from honorary president and supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß, who said: “Lothar Matthäus is out of his mind! These experts have been a thorn in my side for a long time” — apparently with the view that Matthäus’ words were convincing Stuttgart to hold firm in rebuffing Bayern’s lower offers.
Newcastle United eventually came through with an €85M bid not including add-ons late in the window to sign Woltemade, while Bayern ended up paying a hefty loan fee for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
Lothar, vindicated? He certainly thinks so.
“I don’t set the prices; clubs and management set the prices. And when you see that a player has now been signed for a world record loan fee — €16.5 million for a one-season loan — that’s the highest price,” Matthäus said in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “So why did Uli Hoeneß get upset with me when I said Woltemade could cost €80 to €100 million, and they’re now paying €16.5m for a one year loan?”
Consider the thorn emboldened.
