Kompany is counting on him! Here’s Bayern’s plan with Ibrahimovic | OneFootball

Arijon Ibrahimovic is facing a pivotal season with FC Bayern. Just a few months ago, there were strong indications he might leave. Now, the forward has extended his contract through 2028. A conversation with coach Vincent Kompany appears to have been the deciding factor.

After loan stints with Frosinone Calcio, Lazio Rome, and most recently 1. FC Heidenheim, Arijon Ibrahimovic is returning permanently to Säbener Straße. The 20-year-old is set to join the professional squad and establish himself permanently with the German record champions under Vincent Kompany.

However, as the Münchner Abendzeitungreports, this scenario was anything but a foregone conclusion just a few months ago.

Ibrahimovic actually wanted to leave Bayern

According to the report, as recently as late April, Ibrahimovic was still leaning toward leaving Munich. Several Bundesliga clubs as well as Serie A teams are said to have shown interest in signing him. 1. FC Heidenheim, too, would have liked to sign the forward on a permanent basis following his year-long loan.

Another loan, however, was out of the question for Ibrahimovic. Instead, he wanted to take the next step in his career on a permanent basis.

The turning point is said to have come during a personal conversation with Vincent Kompany.

According to the Abendzeitung München, the Bayern coach had an in-depth conversation with Ibrahimovic a few weeks ago and made it clear to him that he is counting on him for the upcoming season.

Photo: IMAGO

According to the report, Kompany promised the U-21 national team player regular playing time. Another factor is the heavy workload on numerous attacking players. After the World Cup, players including Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz will return to Munich with many competitive matches under their belts.

Added to this are several injured players. Serge Gnabry is working on his comeback after a muscle injury, Lennart Karl is in rehabilitation following a torn muscle bundle, and there’s still a question mark over Bayern’s new signing Ismael Saibari after his injury at the World Cup. Furthermore, Jamal Musiala recently underwent another surgery to have a metal plate removed from his foot.

Bayern’s management also made their position clear

Kompany wasn’t the only one advocating for the young attacking talent to stay. Sporting director Christoph Freund and the club’s sporting leadership also made it clear to Ibrahimovic that they continue to have great confidence in his development.

His performances against 1. FC Köln, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Bayern while playing for 1. FC Heidenheim are said to have made a lasting impression on the club’s leadership.

The combination of the clear vision under Kompany and the support from the club’s leadership ultimately led to a change of heart. Instead of leaving the club, Ibrahimovic extended his contract early through 2028 and now aims to establish himself permanently at FC Bayern.