As 17-year-old winger Lennart Karl cements his status as Bayern Munich’s breakout star this season, the Bundesliga champions are now aiming to secure a family double by targeting his younger brother, 14-year-old Vincent Karl, for their youth academy.
The move, first reported by Sky Germany and Bild, signals Bayern’s strategy of capitalizing on the momentum surrounding the Karl name while investing in long-term talent.
Vincent, a promising midfielder currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt’s U13 side, is considered a “top talent” in his age group. Bayern’s interest extends beyond mere symbolism; the club views him as a genuine prospect for their renowned youth setup, known as the Bayern Campus.
The potential transfer is facilitated by the family’s reported willingness to relocate to Munich, smoothing the path for Vincent’s development within Bayern’s system.
The elder Karl, Lennart, has openly embraced the idea of uniting with his brother at the Allianz Arena. During a recent visit to the “Burgsinn” fan club, he shared his enthusiasm: “Of course, it would be something very special to play with my brother,” while acknowledging the challenges Vincent faces: “He is still young… he always has to play with my name, he always has to endure it”.
Lennart added that he actively mentors Vincent, offering advice and noting, “He always steps on the gas… But it is definitely a dream to play with him”.
This familial narrative unfolds alongside Bayern’s efforts to secure Lennart’s long-term future. The club is reportedly preparing a contract extension until 2031, which would significantly increase his salary to an estimated €5–7 million annually.
This move follows a week of headlines sparked by Lennart’s candid admission of a future dream to play for Real Madrid, a remark he later apologized for internally. On the pitch, however, his performances have been impeccable: six goals and two assists in 21 appearances this season, including a brace in a recent friendly against Red Bull Salzburg.
Off the field, the brothers’ representation differs. While Lennart is advised by former Chelsea and Bayern midfielder Michael Ballack, Vincent remains guided solely by his family, a common arrangement for players his age.
This distinction underscores Vincent’s early stage of development, though his social media following of nearly 50,000 on Instagram hints at the growing public interest in the Karl family story.
Bayern’s pursuit of Vincent aligns with a broader trend in European football, where clubs seek to secure sibling pairs to foster familial bonds and long-term loyalty. For Bayern, securing both Karl brothers would represent a strategic investment in the club’s future, both on the pitch and in the narrative of homegrown talent.