Niklas Sule ‘had an offer’ from Premier League giants Newcastle United but the opportunity to join Borussia Dortmund proved too good to turn down, Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus tells Sky Deutschland.
In the last week-and-a-half, Dortmund have conceded no less than nine goals in consecutive home games.
During a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, Marco Rose’s side looked like they were trying to catch rainwater in a sieve.
And, on a gloomy Thursday night at the Signal Iduna Park, the only thing capable of putting even a shadow of a smile on BVB faces was the knowledge that the ‘away goal rule’ is now a thing of the past.
It almost goes without saying then that Sule, one of Europe’s most reliable centre-halves, cannot arrive soon enough.
Dortmund confirmed the shock signing of the Germany international earlier this month – much to the frustration of Bayern Munich.
After years of hobbling their rivals, snatching Mario Gotze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski from under Dortmund’s nose, the tables have most certainly turned.
“It’s not about the money. I don’t think Sule changes (clubs for) money. Otherwise, he would have gone to England,” explains Matthaus, the 1990 Ballon D’Or winner.
“He had an offer from Newcastle United, where he would have earned twice as much.”
Why did Niklas Sule turn down Newcastle United?
Sule reportedly turned down a move to St James’ Park before Christmas.
And Matthaus believes one of the most decorated footballers of recent seasons will arrive at Dortmund with a point to prove. Bayern, he says, have paid the price for under-appreciating one of their most consistent performers.
“In recent years, Sule has often been attacked because of his weight,” adds Matthaus, a seven-time Bundesliga winner at the Bavarian giants.
“And no one (at Bayern) has protected him.”
“During his long injury break, he sacrificed himself for the club. He won the Champions League and played great games.
“And I know that (being under-appreciated) is the reason why Sule said to his team of advisors, ‘we don’t need to talk to Bayern anymore. I want to go.'”
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