View from Germany: Hummels signing is a compliment for Dortmund… but won't help Bayern’s popularity

How will the signings affect the competition in Germany?

Of course, Bayern enhances its chances of winning the next few Bundesliga titles (after four championships in a row, a record-breaking achievement). Hummels is one of the best central defenders in the world so I can't imagine Bayern won’t benefit. Rather, they will benefit - and Dortmund will be weakened. There are, of course, many spectators criticising Bayern for being too far ahead of the other teams (and set to extend the lead even more). But Bayern has become a global player with a brilliant team and needs to buy its players from rivals. Having said that it’s almost a compliment for BVB that Bayern signed Götze, Lewandowski and now Hummels; it demonstrates their own strength.

Is this only the start of the signings this summer?

Presumably, yes. Although €73 million has already been spent (within half an hour!) Bayern should search for a striker (as back-up for Robert Lewandowski), a right back and an additional winger. There are rumours going on about Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, for example…

What about fans of other clubs?

It’s as obvious as the happiness of Bayern fans: Dortmund supporters, and effectively the rest of Bundesliga, are complaining heavily. They fear a lack of competition and consequently tension. This is understandable from their point of view. The fact that Bayern are a club to love or hate increases this tendency. Hummels in a red shirt won’t help Bayern being more popular outside the FCB cosmos...

Is it healthy for Bayern?

Yes! You have the defensive triangle Neuer-Boateng-Hummels now, and you have the highly rated 18-year-old Sanches. Most clubs would be very happy to be in Bayern's current position in terms of players, as well as finances. After three losses in Champions League semi-finals the next attempt will go ahead with Carlo Ancelotti instead of Pep Guardiola. And. Sanches. And Hummels.

Is there a danger of becoming like PSG - all-conquering at home but unable to crack Europe?

No, I don’t think so. The Bundesliga is far more competitive than Ligue 1. Moreover, Bayern has failed to made it into the Champions League final because of bad luck (a preposterous number of injured players in 2015 - and the way the lost out to Atletico in 2016 as well). Since 2010, Bayern has reached three CL-finals and won one of them, since 2012 they’ve reached every semi-final. This is a sign of strength. Sanches, Hummels, and possible other signings, will make Bayern even better.