Bayern Munich have been handed a major headache after their teenage sensation Lennart Karl admitted his ultimate ambition is to sign for Real Madrid. The 17 year old’s frank confession at a fan event has thrown his long term future at the Allianz Arena into immediate doubt.
The gifted forward, one of Germany’s breakout talents this campaign, made the remarks in a light hearted manner but they’ve spread like wildfire across social media. “Bayern is a massive club. It’s a dream to play here,” Karl told supporters. “But one day, I want to sign for Real Madrid.”
He added: “Of course, Bayern is something very special, and I’m having a fantastic time at the club, but Madrid is my dream club, though I hope this stays between us.” Safe to say, it didn’t.
Karl has been a revelation this season, forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking despite the presence of Harry Kane. In just over 900 minutes of competitive action, the youngster has bagged six goals and two assists, a return that’s seen him labelled the next Jamal Musiala in some quarters.
Bayern bosses will be far less delighted with the comparisons to another former academy star: Toni Kroos. The German midfielder famously left Bavaria for the Spanish capital in 2014 and became a legend at the Bernabéu. The fear now is that Karl has just signalled a similar career path.
For now, the immediate focus is on the title run in. Karl’s head need to be fully on helping Bayern close the gap to Bayer Leverkusen. But his comments has undoubtedly handed a potential transfer boost to Madrid, who are always on the lookout for the game’s top young talent.
It leaves the Bundesliga giants in a tricky spot. They’ve got a real gem on their hands, but one who’s already eyeing a move elsewhere. Contract talks, when they next happen, just got a whole lot more complicated.
