At the beginning of January, FC Bayern attracted attention with an unusual transfer. The German record champions signed the 18-year-old Bara Sapoko Ndiaye on loan from Gambinos Stars Africa from Gambia – initially until the summer of 2026. A deal away from the big headlines, but with a clear sporting idea behind it. And above all: a clear wish from Vincent Kompany
As the Sky podcast Mia san Vier reports, the signing was the direct result of the Bayern head coach. Kompany had already met Ndiaye in the summer of 2025, when the Belgian met FC Bayern in a test match with Grasshopper Club Zürich. The young Gambian apparently left a lasting impression on the current Bayern coach. So much so that Kompany then specifically sought his way into the management team
Ndiaye: Kompany as the driving force behind the transfer
According to the podcast, Kompany is said to have made his desire to sign Ndiaye clear internally. The coach then sought comprehensive information about the player – both in terms of his sporting ability and character. Only then was the decision made to bring the 18-year-old to Munich. An approach that fits in well with Bayern’s current strategy: targeted, development-oriented transfers instead of short-term solutions
Ndiaye is regarded as a highly talented player with exceptional physical abilities. His sprinting speed, ball security and robustness in particular are said to have convinced those responsible. These are qualities that play a central role in Kompany’s intense style of play. The young Gambian is to be gradually integrated into team training over the coming weeks as soon as he is fully fit
Bayern pursue concrete plan with Ndiaye
Unlike with many loan players, FC Bayern are pursuing a concrete plan with Ndiaye. According to Sky, the plan is to allow the attacking player to make appearances for the professionals as early as the second half of the season. Kompany wants to see for himself how quickly Ndiaye adapts to the level and processes at the highest level
This approach fits in seamlessly with the recent trend of trusting young players at an early stage. Examples such as Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof and Felipe Chávez show that the path from a promising idea to Bundesliga minutes at FC Bayern has now become much shorter – provided the coach and player pull together
Bayern want to make a decision on Ndiaye in the summer
How Ndiaye will continue beyond the summer has deliberately been kept open. The loan initially runs until 2026, but Bayern want to make an initial fundamental decision as early as next summer. Several scenarios are conceivable: a permanent signing, another year in the Bayern squad or another loan to gain match practice
One thing is certain: the signing of Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is no coincidence, but an expression of Kompany’s signature. The Belgian thinks long-term, looks specifically for profiles that fit his playing style – and is not afraid to go off the beaten track. For Ndiaye, it is a great opportunity to take the next step at FC Bayern. For Munich, it may be another stroke of luck.