Germany coach Joachim Low has admitted that the timing of Mario Gotze's move to Bayern Munich came as a surprise to him.
The deal was officially announced just a day before Borussia Dortmund's Champions League semi-final first leg with Real Madrid.
"I was not surprised that a player is going to Bayern Munich," Low told Sky Sport Germany.
"This is a top destination in the league, and I'm glad that Mario will remain in the Bundesliga.
"However, the timing of the announcement surprised me and I think that it was very questionable."
Dortmund have already relinquished their Bundesliga title to Bayern this season.