Bayern working on long-term contract extension for 17-year-old wonderkid Lennart Karl
| Photo by Jasmin Walter/Getty Images |
It has been widely reported that Lennart Karl’s youth contract will be automatically converted into a professional deal running until 2029 when he turns 18 in February.
However, according to Sport Bild, following Karl’s impressive breakthrough into Bayern’s first team this season, the club is aiming to extend his contract further until 2031.
The extension would come with a significant pay rise, as Karl’s salary would jump from €1-2 million to between €5-7 million per year.
Karl continued his fine form on Tuesday, scoring twice in Bayern’s 5-0 friendly win over RB Salzburg. This season, he has already racked up six goals and two assists in 22 competitive appearances.
The young midfielder recently caused a stir when he admitted that he would like to play for Real Madrid at some point in his career, but Bayern bosses Christoph Freund and Max Eberl both downplayed the youngster's comments on Tuesday.
“A 17-year-old is allowed to make mistakes,” Eberl said.
"He came to us the next day and said, ‘I think I said something there that wasn’t quite right.’
“We have no problem with him. That’s just how it is these days. He’s allowed to speak, and he later regrets it. He’s learning, and he’s incredibly good on the pitch. All of Germany knows what he’s capable of by watching his performances.”
