Eintracht Frankfurt, Newcastle and Ajax showed interest in Bayern wonderkid

According to Sport Bild, Eintracht Frankfurt, Newcastle United and Ajax all showed interest in Lennart Karl last summer – but Bayern Munich decided to keep and put their trust in the 17-year-old.

17-year-old Lennart Karl has been a revelation for Bayern Munich this season, making 16 appearances with four goals and two assists so far.

According to Sport Bild, Karl attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, Newcastle United, and Ajax last summer.

However, Bayern were not willing to let the youngster go and decided to place their trust in him.

“That was a deliberate decision, where we said: We want to keep it smaller in the attack,” said Bayern sporting board member Max Eberl in an interview with Sport Bild.

“Above all, we wanted to focus on three players: Wisdom Mike, Cassiano Kiala and of course Lennart. That’s how he got his minutes, and of course he used them impressively. He has that boldness and carefree attitude on the pitch,” Eberl continued.

“I think his biggest strength is that he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself, if I may put it casually. He has confidence and self-assurance, but in a healthy way, not exaggerated.”

Bayern have already ensured that Karl will stay long-term. On his 18th birthday, February 22, the young attacker’s youth contract will automatically be turned into a professional deal running until 2029.

“We spoke with Michael Ballack (Karl’s agent) and considered how we could finalise the contract. The main goal was to take all the different aspects into account,” Eberl noted.

Karl could get his next chance to impress for Bayern when they face 1. FC Union Berlin in the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday evening.