Bayern Munich have appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
The 38-year-old Belgian succeeds Thomas Tuchel and leaves Burnley for the Bundesliga side after the two clubs agreed a compensation fee, thought to be worth £10.2 million.
Kompany won the championship with Burnley in 2022-23, but the Clarets suffered relegation from the Premier League this season after finishing 19th.
“It’s a great honor to be able to work for this club – FC Bayern is an institution in international football,” said the former Manchester City defender.
Kompany, who retired in 2020, joined Burnley from Anderlecht in 2022 and signed a five-year contract extension last year.
However, he refused to answer questions about his future following the Clarets’ home defeat to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season.
Burnley said they were initially confident of keeping Kompany at Turf Moor, but “the changing dynamics of the situation” made that impossible.
“We understand the allure and prestige of a club like Bayern Munich and respect Vincent’s ambition to explore new opportunities,” the club said.
There has been no announcement as to whether Kompany’s backroom team, including assistant coach Craig Bellamy, will join him in Germany.
Tuchel left Bayern this month as the club finished third in the Bundesliga – their worst league position since 2010–11.
Bayern have struggled to find a replacement for Tuchel, whose initial departure was announced in February.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and current Austria coach Ralf Rangnick all turned down the job.
Negotiations over persuading Tuchel to stay also failed to reach a positive conclusion, leaving Bayern with a problem.
“Vincent Kompany is a type of coach who adapts very well to FC Bayern’s philosophy and playing identity,” said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund.
“He is a young and very ambitious coach, who brings a lot of international experience, follows the players and knows exactly what needs to happen on the pitch.”
Kompany built a decent reputation during his spells at Anderlecht and Burnley, although the Clarets’ relegation after high pre-season expectations did not reflect well on the Belgian.
A four-time Premier League winner as a player with Manchester City, Kompany became head coach of Anderlecht in 2020 after a spell as player-coach, before moving to Turf Moor.
BBC Sport understands that former Chelsea and Everton manager Frank Lampard would be interested in succeeding Kompany.
Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper excluded from the dispute as he aims for a job in the Premier League.
More to follow.
