Manchester United player criticizes Bundesliga and compares It to the Premier League

One thing that is not a secret is that the Premier League is the most-watched league in the world. After leaving Bayern Munich to sign for Manchester United, Matthijs De Ligt did not spare his emotions on how happy he was with this transfer. However, he went one step further: he subtly jabbed at the Bundesliga, saying it didn't offer him the visibility that English soccer would give him.

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But what does this very simple-sounding statement hide behind its lines? Why do so many players leave major European clubs for at least a peek into the light of the Premier League? Let's break down this trend, how a league's popularity might affect a player's life.

De Ligt, the Premier League, and the Spotlight

De Ligt had given his remarks just after the Netherlands' match against Bosnia in the UEFA Nations League. He clarified what is already well known: the Premier League pays handsomely, while it also means massive exposure. The Dutch defender, who shone at Ajax but could not quite replicate that at Bayern Munich, explained how he now feels in the "spotlight." To him, competitive or not, the Bundesliga doesn't make him as visible internationally.

"I'm happy with my transfer to Manchester United. Also because now I'm in the spotlight. The Premier League has more viewers, the Bundesliga fewer," said De Ligt.

Indirectly, he wasn't wrong. What De Ligt meant to say was that, in today's footballing world, a league's visibility and prestige can have a direct impact on a player's career. And therein he is correct. A study done by Red Bull showed that in the 2018/19 season, the Premier League had an audience of 3.2 billion viewers in total globally. That number is staggering and undeniably goes to factor into why so many players seek not just wins on the pitch but also global recognition.

The Bayern Stint and Move to England

De Ligt came into Bayern Munich with plenty of hype, but physical problems and the inability to ensure a starting position with Thomas Tuchel led to a disappointing spell with the club. He has gone on to make 73 appearances for Bayern but failed to cement his position as one of the mainstays of the team, all the more when injuries kept him out at vital times.

The Power of the Premier League Brand

But in the wider perspective, the Premier League has carved out its own niche as the best league in the world, not only concerning the football itself but also as a marketed brand. It right really begins with billion-dollar broadcast deals to the internationally built appeal of its clubs; it is how the Premier League has carved out its position as a global brand.

However, this visibility comes at its costs. Top teams such as Manchester United never economize on the funds while trying to woo super talents; they spent approximately 200 million pounds in the last window alone-a sum of money that might be worth or not worth it. We shall see how United fare in their next few games.