Karl is the latest youngster pushing to make the first team squad.
Bayern Munich’s Champions League exit in the quarterfinals against Inter Milan was a massive disappointment and understandably saw the fans hugely disappointed. However, there were several moments of promise and shoots of green that signify the growth the team can undergo in the next few years. Most surprising of all, however, was the inclusion of 17-year-old Lennart Karl in the squad against the Italian champions. The youngster, who joined from Aschaffenburg in 2022, has plundered a phenomenal 42 goal contributions in 26 games for the U-17 and U-19 teams and earned his call up to the first team with these stunning performances.
Still, just because his performances earned the step up does not mean it was not an incredible moment for the teenager. “I really enjoy these moments – whether it’s training with the first-team players or being in the squad for matches,” Karl said in a recent interview with Bayern’s official website. “Of course, I’m also a bit lucky that there are a few more squad spots available due to the many absences, but that doesn’t make it any less special. I can still remember when I moved to the Campus after my stints at Frankfurt and Aschaffenburg and felt very homesick in the first few weeks. Being here now means a lot to me.”
Karl was not just part of the squad, either. He even got a chance to warm up in the first leg in the Allianz Arena, signifying there was a chance he could have been substituted on to field. That did not happen, in the end, but Karl spoke of the excitement coursing through him at that moment: “Of course, I was a bit nervous before the game. I spoke to a lot of friends from home on the phone at the hotel, and as we headed to the stadium, I felt a positive sense of excitement. But that fades over time because you’re so focused on the game. Of course, I would have liked to play that evening or in the return leg, but I know who’s ahead of me in my position. Nevertheless, I always want to play and prove myself, whether with the first team, the U19s, or the U17s. I intend to always give my all to continuously develop.”
He will. Just give it time, and Karl can become truly special.
