Why Musiala left Chelsea for Bayern

The decision behind a new beginning

Jamal Musiala has spoken publicly for the first time about his move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich in 2019. At the time, regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects, Musiala turned down a professional contract and made the call to return to Germany purely by his own choice.

Although he and Michael Olise were both part of Chelsea’s academy, their paths only crossed briefly before they each rose through the ranks at different times. Both were regarded as high-potential players, but their breakthroughs came in different moments. Musiala’s departure stirred plenty of debate, with some suggesting on social media that Chelsea had deliberately allowed him to leave. However, in an interview with The Athletic, he addressed those rumours directly.

“Why not?” – the start of a new path

“Leaving England and going back to Germany wasn’t something we had planned,” Musiala said. “I had just finished my exams and I was enjoying being at Chelsea. But then Bayern came in and it just seemed like the right move. I wanted to try something new.”

The young star said he didn’t dwell too much on what could go wrong at the time: “I knew how big a club Bayern was. I just said, ‘Why not?’ I wanted to give it a shot. In moments like that, I usually go with my gut.”

Chelsea’s loss, Bayern’s gain

Following Musiala’s departure, social media commentary suggested Chelsea had willingly let him go. But in his remarks to The Athletic, Musiala made it clear that the decision was his, having turned down the club’s professional offer himself.

Chelsea ended up receiving as little as £170,000 ($230,000) in compensation for the move. That decision, in hindsight, turned out to be a defining moment for Bayern. Before turning 17, Musiala made his Bundesliga debut, and in the five years since, he has surpassed 200 appearances. He has won five Bundesliga titles and one Champions League trophy.

Elite season performance and new contract

In the 2024–25 season, Musiala played 44 matches across all competitions for Bayern Munich, scoring 21 goals and adding 8 assists. He also starred at the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer, netting three goals in four matches. However, a serious injury sustained at the end of the tournament is expected to keep him sidelined for several months.

Despite his standout season, Musiala has dismissed talk of a return to the Premier League and signed a new five-year contract with Bayern at the start of the year.

Could he return someday?

At just 22 years old, Jamal Musiala has already carved out one of the most compelling careers in European football. He left Chelsea as a teenager and has since evolved into a complete midfield star with five Bundesliga titles, a Champions League medal, and a 2024–25 season that featured 21 goals and 8 assists in 44 appearances.

England recognised his potential early but couldn’t keep hold of him. Today, Premier League clubs continue to watch his progress, fully aware of what they missed out on. Musiala, however, continues to follow his instincts. While a short-term stay at Bayern seems certain, his long-term future remains open to time and to himself.

He relies entirely on his instincts. Just like he did the day he left Chelsea, asking only one question:

“Why not?”