Set for Saudi Arabia
Kingsley Coman’s departure from Bayern Munich was confirmed on Friday as the French winger completed his transfer to Saudi club Al-Nassr. The move, which has been anticipated for some time, involves a transfer fee of approximately €30 million, including bonuses. Coman is expected to secure a three-year contract offering between €20-25 million annually, positioning him among the ten most expensive transfers in Bayern’s history.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Kingsley Coman for his remarkably successful tenure with us,” said Bayern board member Max Eberl. “His goal in the 2020 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain has earned him an everlasting place in the club’s history. King will always remain part of Bayern, and we wish him all the best in his new endeavor.”
This transfer marks the conclusion of a saga that began a year ago. Last summer, speculation was rife about Coman’s potential move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal showing considerable interest. However, Coman opted to stay at Bayern, where he contributed nine goals and six assists across 45 appearances, despite recurring injuries that limited his playtime to an average of just 46 minutes per game. Consequently, his market value fell from €50 million to €30 million, prompting speculation that both parties were eager to part ways. To facilitate the transfer, Bayern reduced their asking price from €70 million to €30 million.
“I stated I wanted to stay,” Coman mentioned during the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer. “With two years left on my contract, the norm in football is to remain if you’re happy where you are.” He also highlighted his strong rapport with head coach Vincent Kompany, who noted, “Kingsley is always a crucial part of my squad.”
Coman Joins Al-Nassr: Reasons for Bayern Munich’s Urgency to Sell
So, why was Bayern Munich eager to sell Coman? One significant factor is his salary, reportedly between €17-18 million per season. Eberl had been tasked by Bayern’s leadership to enhance the squad while also reducing the wage bill—a necessary measure after the club’s financial commitments escalated under the previous management led by Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic. In fact, Eberl had to let Leroy Sané leave on a free transfer to Galatasaray due to his high salary at Bayern, which had surged following Sané’s acquisition prior to the 2020/21 season.
The focus now shifts to how Bayern will utilize the transfer fee and save on Coman’s wages. Recently, Bayern signed left-winger Luis Díaz from Liverpool for €70 million, leaving Serge Gnabry as the only other left-winger on the squad. Compounding the situation, Kompany also hopes to use Gnabry as a backup striker should Harry Kane face injury. With Coman’s exit and Jamal Musiala nursing an injury that will keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the season, Bayern’s attack seems somewhat weakened. Consequently, Bayern may renew their interest in signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, especially as they prepare to face them in the upcoming Franz-Beckenbauer-Cup.
On the other hand, Al-Nassr is still pursuing a major title despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023. With new head coach Jorge Jesus at the helm and additional signings of European stars, expectations are high for change. Al-Nassr has also secured João Félix from Chelsea for €30 million and is expected to acquire center-back Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer from Barcelona. Coman will reunite with former teammate Sadio Mané, who was also signed by Al-Nassr for €30 million from Bayern in 2023 after a challenging season in Germany.
