Bayern Munich has named Vincent Kompany as their new head coach with a three-year contract.
The 38-year-old Belgian takes over from Thomas Tuchel, departing Burnley for the Bundesliga giants following an agreed compensation of £10.2m.
Kompany led Burnley to a Championship victory in the 2022-23 season, but the club faced relegation from the Premier League in 2024, ending the season in 19th place.
“It’s a great honour to be able to work for this club – FC Bayern is an institution in international football,” said the former Manchester City defender.
Kompany, who hung up his boots in 2020, joined Burnley from Anderlecht in 2022 and extended his contract by five years in 2023.
Despite this commitment, Kompany remained tight-lipped about his future following Burnley’s home loss to Nottingham Forest on the season’s final day.
Initially optimistic about retaining Kompany, Burnley acknowledged that “the changing dynamics of the situation” ultimately made his departure inevitable.
“We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities,” the club said.
No announcement has been made regarding whether Kompany’s backroom staff, including assistant manager Craig Bellamy, will accompany him to Germany.
Thomas Tuchel parted ways with Bayern in May after the club finished third in the Bundesliga, marking their worst league performance since 2010-11.
Bayern faced challenges in finding Tuchel’s successor, with Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, and Austria’s Ralf Rangnick all declining the position since Tuchel’s initial departure was announced in February.
Efforts to persuade Thomas Tuchel to remain at Bayern Munich were unsuccessful, adding to the club’s challenges in securing a new head coach.
“Vincent Kompany is a type of coach who fits in very well with FC Bayern’s playing philosophy and identity.
“He is a young, very ambitious coach who brings a lot of international experience, has his finger on the pulse of the players and knows exactly what should happen on the pitch,” said Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freu
Kompany has established a solid reputation during his tenures at Anderlecht and Burnley, although Burnley’s relegation in 2024 season has somewhat tarnished his standing.
A four-time Premier League champion with Manchester City, Kompany transitioned to coaching at Anderlecht in 2020 after a stint as player-manager, before taking over at Turf Moor.
Reports revealed that former Chelsea and Everton coach, Frank Lampard, is interested in succeeding Kompany at Burnley.
Meanwhile, former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has ruled himself out, as he seeks opportunities in the Premier League.
