Should Bayern be worried? Europe’s elite chase Lennart Karl | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is the shooting star of this Bayern season. Just a few months ago, the 17-year-old was considered a great promise from the campus – now he has arrived in the professional squad and is causing an international stir with his performances

His development has not gone unnoticed by national coach Julian Nagelsmann, who sees Karl as a potential surprise candidate for the German World Cup squad. But it’s not just the DFB who have the attacking player on their radar – Europe’s elite are also keeping a close eye on him

As the TEAMtalk portal reports, almost all of the continent’s heavyweights are said to be keeping an eye on Karl, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. These clubs are said to be „avowed admirers“ of the talented attacker

Regular contact with the player’s side

photo: IMAGO

What is particularly explosive is that, according to the report, it is not just a matter of observing. Several clubs are said to regularly contact the player’s side and enquire about Karl’s situation. The inquiries are reportedly received directly by the management

According to information from TEAMtalk, Karl clearly sees his sporting future at FC Bayern. His advisor – ex-Bayern professional Michael Ballack – is said to be consistently rejecting all advances and making it clear that there are no plans for a move or pressure in that direction

The record champions are also well protected contractually. Karl only extended his contract with FCB last summer until 2028 and currently still has a development contract. On his 18th birthday on 22 February 2026, an extension until 2029 will automatically take effect – combined with a conversion to a professional contract

According to BILD, his salary is set to rise from an estimated one to two million euros to over five million euros per year

For FC Bayern, one thing is clear: Karl is not an object for sale, but a project for the future. And the 17-year-old himself seems determined to follow this path.