In recent years, Real Madrid have been more than ready to spend big on some of football’s most talented younger players. They signed Yan Diomande in the summer for €140m, while the likes of Franco Mastantuono and Endrick have also arrived at the Bernabeu, and joining them soon could be Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl.

Real Madrid already tried to sign Michael Olise in the summer, and while they are still interested in the French winger , they would like to bring in Karl at the same time. The 18-year-old has been a revelation in Bavaria since making his senior debut in 2025, which is why his contract situation has alerted Bernabeu officials.

Karl will have two years remaining on his contract by the time next summer rolls around. Bayern will try to tie him down to a new deal, although Christian Falk has confirmed that Real Madrid could strike if talks are unsuccessful.

“Everyone is keeping a close eye on what Karl is doing next. His contract is not incredibly long (expiring in 2029), so Bayern Munich have to make some decisions about a new contract for him. This is why other clubs, like Real Madrid, have an eye on him, and may be trying to work out whether he’s going to sign a new contract or if there’s an opening to talk with the 18-year-old. There is nothing concretely hot at the moment. However, it will be the next topic when Bayern are speaking. How high the offer is, we’ll have to see. And, of course, Lennart Karl is free to explore options with other clubs. They know what they’d get if they sign such a big young talent.”

Karl is undoubtedly a very exciting player, and while he would be a good signing for Real Madrid, it can be argued that he’s not needed. They already have an abundance of talent in attacking areas, to the point that Endrick has barely managed to get a sniff, while Mastantuono has been shifted out on loan to Fiorentina.

Karl isn’t a ceiling raiser – yet – so it doesn’t make much sense to target him now. It’s a different question if he becomes a market opportunity, which could be the case if he does not renew with Bayern.