Munich the only big spenders in modest Bundesliga transfer market

By John Bagratuni Aug 3, 2011, 7:59 GMT

Berlin - Bayern Munich have been the biggest summer spenders as they aim to return to the top of the Bundesliga which has been modest overall on the transfer market ahead of Friday's kickoff.

Led by Germany goalkeeper and freshly crowned Footballer of the Year Manuel Neuer, Munich spent around 45 million euros (64.7 million dollars) from the 132 million euros all 18 clubs invested in new players.

The sum tops the 87 million euros from last year, but is far below the record 194 million euros spent in 2007. In addition, the top flight clubs have raked in 102 million dollars from player sales.

The figures are subject to change as the transfer window remains open until August 31.

VfL Wolfsburg are still trying to get rid of out-of-favour Brazilian playmaker Diego and some clubs may look at additional players if they don't get out of the starting blocks well.

But due to Bundesliga ownership rules, which outlaw investors fully taking over a club, huge transfers as in England, Italy and Spain are simply out of the question.

Munich have a new coach in Jupp Heynckes and also spent big on players after having to settle for third in the past season without a trophy.

Neuer came from Schalke for an estimated 22 million euros, the biggest Bundesliga summer transfer fee. The troubled defence is to be bolstered by Jerome Boateng and Rafinha, who cost some 19 million euros.

'We want to became national champions and cup winners. That is Bayern Munich's aim, year after year,' said captain Philipp Lahm.

The new players are also to raise Munich's chances in the Champions League as the 2012 final takes place in their home stadium.

Munich remain Germany's weathiest club while Borussia Dortmund were forced into modesty in recent years after almost going bankrupt.

However, relying on young talent and cheap hirings did not stop them from winning the Bundesliga title by a mile in the past season.

Juergen Klopp's young squad is almost unchanged, with Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin the only notable departure for around 10 million euros to Real Madrid. Dortmund nvested 5.5 million in Brugge's Ivan Perisic and also got Ilkay Guendogan from Nuremberg.

SV Hamburg and Schalke, both below par last season, are also in a money-saving mood as they cut down on big and expensive rosters, with the likes of Ruud van Nisterooy leaving.

Both clubs appear set to follow Dortmund's example of breeding young and hungry talent, a move which has also led to big success in the national team.

Elsewhere, Volkswagen-backed VfL Wolfsburg spent 9 million euros on midfielder Christian Traesch and may go shopping again if they manage to sell Diego.

Runners-up Bayer Leverkusen invested 8 million euros in Germany talent Andre Schuerrle and got even more by selling Arturo Vidal to Italy's Juventus.