Football News: The Bundesliga talent drain that has worried football fans in Germany

Fans had been expecting Erling Haaland's departure, but they were shocked to hear that Robert Lewandowski, the Polish super striker, wanted to leave the club.

Bundesliga has been one of the most exciting and successful championships in Europe for many years. 

Although Lewandowski or Haaland may not be the saving grace of the Bundesliga, they are the most prominent names worldwide. Their departures in the same season should concern German football.

"My story at Bayern is over," Lewandowski told media a few weeks ago. "After everything that has happened in recent months, I cannot imagine further good cooperation.

Lewandowski added, "Bayern is a serious club, and I hope they will not keep me just because they can. A transfer is the best solution for all parties."

Erling Haaland will be joining Premier League winners Manchester City, where his arrival is highly anticipated.

Bundesliga is being starved of more than just high-profile players

The German league seems to have many players leaving after excluding the top-shelf players.

Christopher Nkunku, who won the Bundesliga player-of-the-year award over Lewandowski after a remarkable season leading the line at RB Leipzig, is now being linked to Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Jude Bellingham is another potential departure, who was one of the most prominent stars in the league since joining Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City.

Although it is more likely that the England international will move next season, possibly following Jadon Sancho's move to the Premier League, it seems unlikely that his long-term future is in Germany.

There is a talent shortage in Germany right now. This will further diminish a declining reputation abroad because of some tepid exports.

Bundesliga cannot pay the same as other top-flight leagues

One common argument within German football is that clubs can't offer the same salaries as the most prominent teams in England or Spain. But for Bayern, it isn't an issue.

Bayern's biggest problem is their unwillingness to pay transfer fees above tens of millions of euros, particularly for young players.

The top talent from the upper-mid ranks in Bundesliga - Dortmund, Leverkusen, and Hoffenheim is moving to other countries instead.

Now, Bundesliga clubs know they can't attract elite players from England, Spain, or Italy.

Ligue 1 is now the preferred shopping ground because most German clubs know it is the only top European league that can be considered a level below the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga will likely remain a testing ground for future young talents, such as Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry's case at Bayern and Bellingham at Dortmund.

It also serves as a place where those who have failed elsewhere can get their reputations back, such as Arjen Robben in the past and Leroy Sane.

Bundesliga is not a destination anymore but has become a stepping stone for the best players.

However, the Bundesliga's greatest asset is its ability to provide the best atmosphere for watching football. It has excellent stadiums and passionate fans and a very affordable price. Even the most outstanding facilities cannot compensate for not having your best players available.