‘Who Would Turn It Down?!’ – Kingsley Coman Defended for Accepting Lucrative Al-Nassr Offer as Ex-Arsenal Star Praises Winger’s ‘Rare’ Bayern Munich Spell

A Decision That Sparked Debate

Football, more than ever before, is shaped not only by goals and trophies but also by the decisions players make off the pitch. Few moves this summer have generated as much debate as Kingsley Coman’s switch from Bayern Munich to Al-Nassr.

To some, it looked like a bold adventure. To others, it felt like a premature step away from European football at just 29 years old. But one man who has stepped in to defend the French winger is Sylvain Wiltord, the former Arsenal and France forward. His message was clear: who in their right mind would turn down such an offer?

What Happened?

The move came together quickly. Al-Nassr, already home to Cristiano Ronaldo, pushed to sign Coman in a deal worth under €30 million (£26m/$35m). Bayern, despite head coach Vincent Kompany’s reluctance to lose him, sanctioned the transfer, and Coman signed a contract until 2028.

The decision raised eyebrows, especially in France. Coman had been linked with a return to Arsenal and even to Fenerbahçe, but instead chose the Saudi Pro League. Reports suggest his new contract could see him earn up to €25m (£22m/$29m) net per year — a figure that understandably turned heads.

1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v FC Bayern Munchen – Bundesliga

The Bigger Picture: A Decade at Bayern

When Wiltord stepped forward to defend Coman, one of his main points was simple: look at what he has already achieved.

And he isn’t wrong. Few players in modern football can boast a résumé like Coman’s. Since joining Bayern from Juventus in 2015, Coman won the Bundesliga title in nine of his 10 seasons. He scored in a Champions League final, helped Bayern lift countless domestic cups, and established himself as one of the most decorated wingers of his generation.

In an era where loyalty is rare, Coman gave Bayern a decade of his prime. For Wiltord, that in itself was remarkable:

“King spent 10 years in Munich. That’s a rarity in today’s football world. He won everything with FC Bayern. The move to Saudi Arabia is understandable. It’s the right time.”

Why the Move Makes Sense

For all the critics who suggested Coman left Europe too early, the reality is that footballers’ careers are short. At 29, he is approaching what many consider the final big contract of his career. Injuries have also been a recurring theme for Coman, who has battled hamstring issues and other setbacks over the years.

Wiltord framed it simply: the chance may never come again. “You only live once,” he said. “He might never have gotten a second chance.”

And then there is the competitive reality of the Saudi Pro League. While some in Europe dismiss it as a retirement league, Wiltord argued otherwise:

“The Saudi Arabian league has become more competitive year after year. You just have to look at all the famous names. It’s incredible, especially considering that even young, talented players are now earning their money there.”

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, and Sergej Milinković-Savić, the influx of stars has undeniably raised the league’s profile.

What Bayern Lost

Still, there is another side of the story. Bayern Munich were reluctant sellers. New coach Vincent Kompany viewed Coman as an integral piece of his tactical puzzle for the 2025–26 season. Losing him not only strips the squad of experience but also removes a proven big-game player.

Unlike younger talents who need years to develop, Coman was ready-made for the biggest stages. His pace, direct dribbling, and knack for decisive moments — most famously, his winning goal in the 2020 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain — will not be easily replaced.

Bayern reportedly debated blocking the sale outright, but ultimately the finances, Coman’s wishes, and the Saudi project proved too strong to resist.

The Arsenal and Fenerbahce Links

Coman’s transfer wasn’t always destined for Riyadh. Arsenal, in need of an experienced winger to complement Bukayo Saka, were linked with a move earlier in the window. For many Gunners fans, the prospect of adding a Champions League winner to the squad was mouthwatering.

Meanwhile, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe — now under José Mourinho — also expressed interest. With the club pushing to reassert themselves in Europe, Coman would have been a marquee signing.

But both clubs were priced out once Al-Nassr entered the conversation with an irresistible offer.

Wiltord’s Perspective: A Career Well Lived

For Wiltord, the decision comes down to perspective. He himself enjoyed spells at major clubs — Rennes, Bordeaux, Arsenal, Lyon — but never stayed at one giant for a full decade. Coman did.

That longevity at Bayern, paired with the mountain of trophies he collected, earned him the right to choose his next step freely. Wiltord stressed that Coman has already given more than most wingers ever could at the top level.

And now? Now it’s about enjoying football, embracing a new culture, and securing his financial future.

What Next for Kingsley Coman?

1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v FC Bayern Munchen – Bundesliga

Coman will waste little time making his debut. Reports suggest he is set to line up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in attack for Al-Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al-Ittihad on Tuesday.

For Al-Nassr fans, it’s a mouthwatering prospect: a frontline boasting Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and now Coman. For Coman himself, it’s the beginning of a fresh adventure — one that could see him lift silverware in yet another country.

The Changing Landscape of Football

What Coman’s transfer highlights most of all is the changing nature of football’s global map. Europe may remain the pinnacle in terms of history and prestige, but Saudi Arabia is forcing its way into the conversation.

Players like Coman, not at the very end of their careers but still in their prime years, choosing the Saudi Pro League suggests a shift. And while critics will say it’s all about the money, Wiltord and others argue that football is evolving, and the lines between “top” and “secondary” leagues are blurring.

For Coman, the move is both personal and professional. It’s about new experiences, financial security, and proving that success doesn’t have to be measured only in European terms.

Final Thoughts

The headline writes itself: “Who would turn it down?!” – Kingsley Coman defended for accepting lucrative Al-Nassr offer as ex-Arsenal star praises winger’s rare Bayern Munich spell.

But beyond the headline lies a story of achievement, timing, and perspective. Kingsley Coman gave Bayern Munich a decade, trophies, and unforgettable memories. At 29, he faced a choice — continue in Europe under new circumstances or seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Saudi Arabia.

He chose the latter. And as Wiltord reminds us, maybe the real question isn’t why he left, but why anyone would expect him to say no.