Flick shows interest: Barcelona set their sights on Bayern star | OneFootball

Lennart Karl has developed into one of the most exciting young players in Europe in recent months. Although the Bayern youngster will miss the World Cup due to injury, he is apparently still the focus of top international clubs. According to recent reports, FC Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the 18-year-old’s development

Lennart Karl’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed outside of Germany. After the FC Bayern attacker developed from campus talent to international player in a very short space of time, interest from top European clubs is growing

As the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports, Karl is one of a group of young players that FC Barcelona are keeping a close eye on for the future, with coach Hansi Flick and the Catalan club’s sporting management having identified several promising talents who should be given a closer look at the World Cup

The Bayern shooting star’s name is also said to be on this list

However, Karl will not be able to take advantage of the big stage in North America. The 18-year-old suffered a torn muscle bundle shortly before the start of the tournament and had to leave the DFB quarters early. He will therefore miss the World Cup and the chance to play his way into the limelight at international level

Bayern plans long-term with Karl

photo: Getty Images

From FC Bayern’s point of view, however, the interest from Barcelona should not cause any unrest, as a transfer of the attacking player is currently considered practically impossible

Munich see Karl as one of the most important building blocks for the future and underlined this impressively just a few months ago. In February 2026, the youngster extended his long-term contract with the record champions until 2029

Internally, Karl enjoys a great deal of trust. Following his breakthrough with the professionals, he is regarded as one of the figureheads of the youth academy. Accordingly, there are no plans to let the home-grown talent go

Instead, those responsible want to actively support the dribbler’s further development and gradually give him more responsibility in the professional squad

Although the injury and the resulting World Cup exit are a bitter setback, they do not alter his importance for Munich’s long-term planning

Barça have another Bundesliga youngster in their sights

Nevertheless, the World Cup remains an important platform for FC Barcelona to monitor potential reinforcements

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ibrahim Maza is also on the Catalans‘ list alongside Karl. The attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen impressed with strong performances last season and is regarded as one of the greatest talents of his generation

The Spaniards are also apparently keeping an eye on Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar, Lewis Miley from Newcastle United and Rodrigo Mora from FC Porto

However, the fact that Karl is included in such a circle of players despite his injury shows just how highly regarded the Bayern youngster has become, with his name now being mentioned in the same breath as the biggest talents in Europe.