Bayern's Lennart Karl faces public criticism as Premier League clubs circle
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Bayern Munich's 18-year-old Lennart Karl drew public criticism from Uli Hoeneß and Max Eberl after a form dip.
His agent Michael Ballack defended him while Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United reportedly enquired.
Background
Lennart Karl is an 18-year-old German attacking player for Bayern Munich, under contract until 2029. He broke through at 17 and had an outstanding first season (five goals and five assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances), but a thigh muscle injury ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup and he has struggled to rediscover that form since returning. Bayern officials have repeatedly stressed he will play an important role in the future and regard him as a promising talent.
How it unfolded
- Jun 5, 2026Karl, 18, suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left thigh in Germany training at Chicago's Soldier Field and was ruled out of the World Cup, replaced in the squad by RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo.
- Oct 25, 2026Uli Hoeneß said in a WELT interview that he planned a serious talk with Karl, that he is far from a superstar and that young players need humility.
- Oct 28, 2026Karl played in Bayern's 6-1 DFB Pokal win over 2. Bundesliga side Magdeburg at Allianz Arena.
- Oct 30, 2026Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks said Karl's dip is normal for his age and the club fully supports him; Bild's Christian Falk reported Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United were monitoring Karl.
- Oct 31, 2026Bild programme 'Bayern-Insider' reported the three clubs had already enquired about Karl's situation; Karl had three goal contributions (one goal, two assists) in 11 appearances this season. Michael Ballack publicly defended Karl against criticism from Hoeneß and Max Eberl.
- Nov 1, 2026Karl came on in the 84th minute of Bayern's 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Borussia Dortmund, replacing the injured Michael Olise.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Honorary president Uli Hoeneß said he plans a serious word with Karl, that he is far from a superstar and that young players need humility, adding comparisons with Michael Olise are not doing him good.
- Official
- Sporting director Max Eberl said after the Magdeburg win that Karl has to show he can get out of this slump.
- Support
- Karl's agent and advisor Michael Ballack said Lennart is 18 and asked critics where they were at 18, calling Eberl's slump comments incomprehensible in timing and questionable in substance.
- Support
- Assistant coach Aaron Danks said what Karl is going through is completely normal at his age, like a rollercoaster, and that the club fully supports him and believes in him.
Still unverified
Bild's 'Bayern-Insider' reported that Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United had already enquired about Karl, while Christian Falk said the clubs are monitoring developments; a Facebook post citing German source Fussball Daten said Arsenal and Chelsea are expected to compete for his signing in the summer.