Gifted adolescents Karl and Wisdom sign contract extensions with Bayern Munich
In a significant move for Bayern Munich, young talents Lennart Karl and Wisdom Mike have extended their contracts with the German giants, securing their status as key prospects promoted from the Bayern Campus to the first-team squad.
Lennart Karl, aged 17, has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until June 2028, while Mike, who is 16 years old, has also agreed to a long-term contract, although the exact length has not been disclosed publicly.
Recent performances have shown that both players are ready for the big stage. Karl, who made his senior debut during Bayern’s 10-0 FIFA Club World Cup win over Auckland City, scored a goal as a substitute in Bayern’s 4-0 preseason friendly victory over Tottenham Hotspur on August 7, 2025. Mike, on the other hand, impressed with his acceleration, dynamism, and finishing skills from the wing in the same match.
Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, has praised Karl for his boldness, danger in front of goal, technical giftedness, close ball control, and versatility in attack. Freund also praised Mike for his good acceleration, explosiveness, dynamism, drive towards goal, and good finishing skills, making him a winger Bayern Munich likes.
Bayern board member Max Eberl emphasized the club’s intent to invest in homegrown talent like Karl and Mike, alongside established young first-team players such as Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Josip Stanisic.
Importantly, Bayern will not be loaning out Karl for the upcoming season, signaling their plan to give him significant first-team minutes under head coach Vincent Kompany. Both players have already been integrated into the professional squad for this season and are expected to be important young talents contributing to Bayern Munich’s competitive efforts in 2025-26.
Summary:
| Player | Age (2025) | Contract Details | Recent Performances | Role & Outlook | |---------------|------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Lennart Karl | 17 | Contract extended to June 2028 | Scored vs. Tottenham, debuted in Club World Cup | Versatile attacker, part of first-team squad, no loan | | Wisdom Mike | 16 | Long-term extension (length not disclosed) | Played vs. Tottenham, praised for speed and finishing | Winger, integrated into first-team squad |
Bayern Munich will face Grasshopper in their final pre-season match next Tuesday before taking on Stuttgart in the German Super Cup final on August 16. The club remains unbeaten in their pre-season preparations.
Lennart Karl and Wisdom Mike, showcasing their skills in recent European-leagues performances, have extended their contracts with Bayern Munich, securing their roles as key prospects in the first-team squad. Both players, with Karl set to stay at the club until June 2028 and Mike agreeing to a long-term extension, are poised to contribute significantly to Bayern Munich's sports endeavors in the 2025-26 season.
