Bayern Munich 'wanted me to leave' - Kingsley Coman explains why he ditched Bundesliga champions for Al-Nassr despite Vincent Kompany 'loving' French winger

Bayern’s internal tensions reached a boiling point this summer when sporting director Max Eberl sanctioned Coman’s sale to Al-Nassr. The board was reportedly angered that Eberl approved the €35 million (£30m/$40m) deal without having a replacement ready, later returning to request funds to find one.

Coman, who spent 10 seasons at Bayern and won nine Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals and the 2020 Champions League, became a casualty of the club's cost-cutting drive. With a salary of €17m (£14m/$19m), his departure was seen as a financial fix rather than a footballing decision. But the internal split it caused within the club’s leadership reflected a growing disconnect between Bayern’s sporting ambitions and its financial pressures.

Opening up on his summer move to Riyadh in an interview with L’Equipe, Coman admitted: "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 that 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 club management - but not everyone. Part of the club wanted me to leave. And that part bothered me a lot."

His strong form since joining Al-Nassr has also earned him a recall to the French national team, with Didier Deschamps calling him up to replace the injured Ousmane Dembele ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Coman’s new chapter in Saudi Arabia has begun brightly. In just nine appearances for Al-Nassr, he’s scored three goals and provided five assists, forming a dynamic partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo on the wings. His pace, creativity, and defensive discipline have added balance and energy to the side, earning praise for how seamlessly he’s adapted to the Saudi Pro League’s tempo.

Reflecting on his future, Coman has shown humility beyond the pitch stating that he would rather prefer a young talent to thrive in the upcoming World Cup.

“I would prefer not to go to the World Cup and instead give a young player a chance if I can’t truly contribute,” he said.

His departure left a visible gap at Bayern, which they they eventually filled by signing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, but for Coman, the move was about peace, not pay. Coman now eyes glory in the Saudi Pro League and has his mind set on guiding the next generation of France’s wingers.