Lennart Karl is pulling in interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, but Bayern München are still trying to keep him. The 18-year-old has already made 52 appearances in all competitions, and his contract runs through to June 2029. The story has widened because Uli Hoeness has chosen this moment to question his status so sharply.

Hoeness's criticism and Ballack's defence

Hoeness told Metro that Karl is "far from being a superstar", and also warned that comparisons with Michael Olise do the teenager no good. Michael Ballack has pushed back on that line. Speaking to the same outlet, he said: "Lennart is only 18. Where were you at 18? Just as he is trying things out on the pitch, he is doing the same off it."

Ballack also argued that Bayern risk turning a football discussion into a public target. His point is not hard to follow when the player's profile is already drawing attention from England. A €60m valuation has also been floated, which only makes a move look more realistic for clubs with the resources to act.

Bayern's case for keeping him

The strongest argument for Bayern is still the simplest one: they want to keep him. Christian Falk said those inside the club are confident in Karl and that there have not been any talks over a new contract so far. That sits alongside the fact that he has already won the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the German Super Cup with Bayern.

His usage this season suggests a player still being managed carefully rather than one about to be pushed out. Karl has started just three of Bayern's eight Bundesliga matches this season, while his 7 league appearances and 256 minutes point to a player being used in bursts. Even so, he has still produced 10 goals and 10 assists in those 52 Bayern appearances, which is enough to explain why Premier League clubs have asked questions.

The final position will be shaped by Bayern's own stance as much as by the interest outside Germany. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all made contact, but Bayern's preference is clear, and Karl remains tied to the club until June 2029.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →