- Man City legend Vincent Kompany suffered relegation last season with Burnley
- But the Belgian has been lured to Bayern Munich on a three year deal until 2027
- Sunday league, grassroots, pub football… how Pep’s influence has trickled down the pyramid – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Vincent Kompany has been confirmed as Bayern Munich‘s new manager, with the German giants announcing the shock appointment on Wednesday.
Kompany was expected to be part of Burnley‘s future after being unable to keep them in the Premier League this season, with their relegation confirmed in the penultimate week of the season.
As detailed by Mail Sport last Wednesday, Bayern held discussions with Burnley chairman Alan Pace over a compensation fee in the hope of wrapping up a deal quickly.
And the German giants have achieved that outcome with the former Manchester City captain the new man at their helm.
‘Vincent Kompany is the new head coach of FC Bayern, putting pen to paper on a deal until 2027,’ Bayern Munich posted to social media on Wednesday.
Also confirming the Belgian’s Turf Moor exit, Burnley said in a statement: ‘We can confirm that Burnley FC has come to an agreement that will allow Vincent Kompany to leave Turf Moor.
‘Whilst we were initially confident in retaining our manager, the changing dynamics of the situation made this impossible. We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities.
‘We wish only the best for Vincent and would like to put on record our appreciation for his dedication every single day he was a part of this football club. Our priority remains the stability and success of Burnley FC, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that our ambition is realised – namely our return to the Premier League.
‘We have started the search for a new manager and will make an announcement in due course.’
Bayern’s search for Thomas Tuchel’s successor has seen the likes of Xabi Alonso, former head coach Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick turn the role down.
The German giants had even tried to tempt Tuchel into staying after announcing his departure three months ago, but those U-turn talks failed to prompt a change of heart.
Kompany, who spent two seasons at Hamburg before joining Manchester City in 2008, speaks fluent German and his philosophy is said to have impressed the Bayern hierarchy.
It is, however, a gamble for both sides after their respective disappointing campaigns. Bayern failed to win the Bundesliga for the first time since 2012, while the reputation that Kompany – linked with Tottenham and Chelsea last year – had forged at Turf Moor took a hit with a 19th-placed finish.
The developments with Bayern will serve as a significant blow to Pace, who had hoped Kompany would spearhead a promotion charge from the Championship.
Burnley’s board had placed a sizeable amount of faith in the Belgian and deferred a considerable amount of power to him – particularly in the recruitment department.
But that didn’t prevent Kompany from overseeing relegation after spending in excess of £90million last summer.
It’s understood that the Clarets were so convinced that Kompany would remain in charge that they had been looking at sourcing a new coach to work under him next term.
Ashley Cole, currently at Birmingham City, is believed to be one name Burnley had identified for that role. Cole has impressed in his work with England’s Under 21s, integral in the Young Lions lifting last summer’s European Championship.
Kompany’s departure represents a considerable problem for Burnley, who are likely to sell players in the coming weeks before their return to the second tier.
James Trafford could be the first, with the goalkeeper subject of heavy interest from Newcastle United. Jack Cork and Johann-Berg Gudmundsson, two mainstays of Burnley’s recent history, left the club after their contracts expired.