Bayern Munich president surprised by Niklas Süle’s decision to join Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has admitted that he was surprised by Niklas Süle’s decision to join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in the summer.

Borussia Dortmund delivered a big shock on Monday as they announced that Niklas Süle will be joining the club on a free transfer when his contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season. The defender will join the Black and Yellows on a four year contract in the summer. And Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has now had his say on the transfer.

While Hainer was left surprised by Süle’s decision to join Bayern Munich’s biggest rivals, he does not think that a move to Borussia Dortmund is a step up for the German international. Hainer also believes that it will be interesting to see the 26 year old play for Dortmund starting from next season.

"“I don’t know what kind of salary Niklas Süle will get in Dortmund,” Hainer said on Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s a step up in sporting terms. But Niklas is a very good player who has developed into a regular in the national team over the last five years with us.”“There was speculation about Dortmund alongside Real Madrid, Manchester City and a few other clubs. But I didn’t think it would be his first choice. It’s going to be intriguing to see him on the other side.”“I expect that he will give everything he’s got for the next three months, so that he can still win the titles we have ahead of us.”"

Süle will leave Bayern Munich five years after joining the club from TSG Hoffenheim. He has made a total of 159 appearances for the Bavarian side, and has won four Bundesliga titles as well as the UEFA Champions League with them. But he reportedly felt under appreciated at the club, and thus made the decision to leave at the end of his contract.

Süle attracted the interest of a number of clubs across Europe, including FC Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle United. And many even expected him to move abroad. But he decided to join Borussia Dortmund after being impressed by how interested the BVB bosses were in bringing him to the club.