Bundesliga
Kingsley Coman Reveals Why He Left Bayern Munich for Al-Nassr Despite Vincent Kompany’s Support
Bayern Munich ‘wanted me to leave’ – Kingsley Coman explains why he ditched Bundesliga champions for Al-Nassr despite Vincent Kompany ‘loving’ French winger
Kingsley Coman’s sudden exit from Bayern Munich after nearly a decade of loyalty shocked fans and raised questions within the club. The French winger has now broken his silence, revealing that not everyone in Munich wanted him to stay, despite manager Vincent Kompany’s full support. His move to Al-Nassr was less about footballing ambitions and more about financial strain and divisions behind the scenes.
Bayern sale driven by finances
Bayern’s internal tensions boiled over this summer when sporting director Max Eberl sanctioned Coman’s €35m (£30m/$40m) transfer to Al-Nassr. Reports claimed board members were frustrated that the deal was approved without a clear replacement in sight, only for Eberl to later request funds to secure one.
Coman, who won nine Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals, and the 2020 Champions League during his 10-year stay, became a casualty of the club’s cost-cutting drive. His €17m (£14m/$19m) annual salary was deemed too heavy a burden as Bayern sought to stabilize finances. The move, however, exposed a split between the club’s sporting ambitions and its financial priorities.
Coman opens up on Bayern exit
In an interview with L’Équipe, the 28-year-old admitted the decision to leave was not entirely his.
“At the very end of the transfer, there were some things – which I don’t want to go into detail – that complicated the situation. I wasn’t pressured to leave, but I was told the club was open to a departure due to its financial situation. I had the love of the coach, the fans, some people in the management – but not everyone. Part of the club wanted me to leave. And that part bothered me a lot.”
Despite Kompany’s admiration for him, Coman felt unsettled by the lack of unanimous support from within the Bayern hierarchy.
Thriving at Al-Nassr
Since his switch to Riyadh, Coman has quickly adapted to the Saudi Pro League. In nine appearances, he has scored three goals and provided five assists, forming a dangerous partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo. His pace, creativity, and defensive discipline have brought balance to Al-Nassr’s attack, earning plaudits from fans and pundits alike.
His resurgence has also earned him a recall to the French national team, with Didier Deschamps drafting him in to replace the injured Ousmane Dembélé for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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