Hummels has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in recent weeks.
The German international admitted yesterday that he was keeping his options open with respect to a move.
But Beckenbauer believes it may be now or never for Hummels if he aspires to play in the Premier League.
"At 26, Hummels is at the best age to make the move to England," he told Bild.
At 26, Hummels is at the best age to make the move to England
Franz Beckenbauer
"I can understand his thinking well."
Dortmund were defeated 1-0 by Bayern Munich over the weekend and Hummels was at pains to point out that his ambition to play overseas at some stage does not definitely mean he is on his way at the end of the season.
He told Sky: "That doesn't mean that I am leaving, it just means I'm reflecting.
"There's no particular tendency one way or the other. It's just thoughts going through my mind. It will all become clearer in the coming weeks."
In 2007, when he moved to Dortmund from Bayern, he turned down an approach from Hoffenheim and said that was a "gut feeling".
He added: "It's going to be the same again this time."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
