Although Wirtz is moving to a new club, Watzke would have been happier if he had stayed in Germany, even if it meant strengthening their rivals, Bayern Munich.
"It's unfortunate that a talented player like Wirtz is leaving the Bundesliga," Watzke said. "This loss will be felt by the German Football League."
Watzke noted that Wirtz's departure would have been less impactful if he had joined Bayern Munich instead. He believed that Wirtz would have had a better opportunity to play alongside Jamal Musiala in Munich and create exciting football.
