Bayern respond to Lennart Karl controversy but Real Madrid may offer serious concern | OneFootball

Bayern Munich feel the matter is now closed after Lennart Karl sparked controversy with his Real Madrid transfer admission.

The German prodigy admitted it would be a ‘dream’ to play for Los Blancos, having been questioned on the subject at a fan club visit.

The player has since apologised to the club hierarchy for his comments.

Bayern chalk it down to a young mistake from Lennart Karl

(Photo by Jasmin Walter/Getty Images)

In amongst the disappointment, it has to be acknowledged (and has been acknowledged by the club) that Karl’s senior career is very much in its infancy.

To put things into perspective, at 17 years of age, the highly-rated forward has yet to take his Abitur exams (or A-Levels for our UK-dwelling audience).

“I don’t think we should take this statement too seriously,” Christian Falk exclusively informed CF Bayern Insider.

“Don’t forget that the young forward played in front of the scouts at Real Madrid at the Bernabeu when he was just 10 years old. Who wouldn’t be impressed as well?

“But he has Bayern Munich in his heart, and he knows about the chance he has. He was training very hard with his own coach during the winter break in Germany.

“He’s 17. Of course, many fans were a little insulted, but he’s allowed to say how he feels.”

It was an ill-advised statement, but an innocent mistake from a footballer with surely limited media training in what we must stress was an informal environment.

Bayern are planning with Karl for the long-term

The fact remains that Lennart Karl’s current terms are set to automatically extend to the summer of 2029 by the time he hits 18 in just over a month’s time.

“He’s a professional in the squad for Vincent Kompany; a proper player like the others, not just an up-and-coming talent,” Falk went on to add.

“Don’t forget that he’s already set to get a new contract when he turns 18 on February 22 – it will extend automatically to 2029.

“Plus, we’re aware that there are ongoing talks with his agent, Michael Ballack, to extend to 2031 with a high salary. Ultimately, he’s very confident at Bayern Munich, and he’s going to extend his stay anyway. The only question that remains is for how long and for how big a salary.

“Bayern are counting on Karl for the future, and there are no current ideas about a transfer to Real Madrid or another club.”

Even assuming that Real Madrid were to attempt a push for the number 42 in the upcoming summer transfer window, they’ll have to respect his three-year contract.

This means serious cash on the line for Bayern Munich. Even more so, should all parties agree to a further extension beyond 2030.

But that’s not an eventuality the Bavarians will entertain, given their own ambitions of building a squad filled with top-class German talent.

Why Bayern can’t allow Real Madrid to sign Karl

(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

It’s always a risk suggesting that a 17-year-old is destined for greatness in the senior game.

But Lennart Karl is categorically a player who has seized his opportunity in the limelight and consistently looks perfectly able to mix it up amongst Bayern’s already talent-stacked squad.

* Lennart Karl’s stats across all competitions in the 2025/26 season (Transfermarkt)

Compared to his positional peers in the Bundesliga, the youngster is excelling in offensive metrics:

Karl’s hardly a slouch either when it comes to his defensive duties:

We’re talking about a footballer who can score goals, create for his teammates, and help his side get on the front foot out of possession.

It should come as no surprise to anyone if Real Madrid start sniffing around the German in the coming years.