FC Bayern’s sporting management reportedly communicated their desire for Kingsley Coman (29) to seek a new club last summer through an unconventional method. According to Bild, the French international received a WhatsApp message on July 30, 2025, suggesting he «reconsider a transfer to Saudi Arabia.» The sender of the message is not identified.
Coman had been considered a potential sale candidate by the German record champions for months. Sport director Max Eberl (52) had previously attempted to persuade the French national player to move to the Saudi Pro League in January, but without success.
The summer saw a second attempt shortly after the signing of Colombian Luis Diaz. The left-winger arrived from Liverpool for 70 million Euros just before the WhatsApp message. Bayern was keen to sell Coman a year before his contract expired to recoup some of the Diaz transfer fee and to save on the considerable salary of the 2020 Champions League hero.
This time, the Munich club was more successful in its efforts. Coman transferred to Al-Nassr on August 15, with 25 million Euros flowing to Bayern. According to Bild, the transfer fee could have been lower. It is reported that Eberl faced internal criticism for accepting the transfer fee too readily. Board chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen (58) reportedly renegotiated with the Saudis and secured «another five million Euros.»
FC Bayern Receives a Bonus Payment for Kingsley Coman
Coman spent a total of ten years with FC Bayern, winning 20 titles. The most significant of his 72 goals for the club was the one in the 2020 Champions League final against his former club PSG.
Regarding his departure, he later told L’Equipe: «At the very end of the transfer, there were things that made the situation more complicated – which I won’t mention here. I wasn’t pushed out, but I was told that the club, due to its financial situation, was open to me leaving. I had the love of the coach, the fans, some board members… but not all.» He added, without naming names, «There was a part of the club that wanted to see me go.»
With his new club, Coman immediately won the coveted Saudi Pro League championship. Alongside superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and former Bayern player Sadio Mané, he secured the title last week, scoring in the 4-1 victory on the final matchday against Damac.
This success has also had further financial implications for Bayern. The Riyadh-based newspaper Arriyadiyah reports that Al-Nassr must pay bonuses for Coman and Portuguese international Joao Felix due to their success. While five million Euros go to Chelsea for Felix, Bayern will receive another million Euros as part of the Coman deal.
Kingsley Coman’s Time at FC Bayern in Numbers
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 339 | 72 | 71 | 16 | 2 | 20 |