Karl’s development has accelerated since his youth contract automatically became a professional agreement around his 18th birthday in February. The 18-year-old is now tied to Bayern until 2029 and reportedly earns around €2 million per season.
However, no new contract talks have yet taken place with Karl or his adviser Michael Ballack. Sport Bild has outlined three possible approaches for Bayern Munich as they consider how best to manage the teenager’s development.
The first scenario concerns Olise. Bayern also want to extend the 24-year-old’s contract, potentially until 2032, but his performances have attracted interest from major European clubs, with Real Madrid repeatedly linked with him.
If Olise signs a new deal, Karl could have to consider whether he is prepared to remain a substitute. The teenager is continuing to develop in Munich, but a move could become an option if he believes regular first-team football is essential to his progress.
A second possibility would emerge if Bayern fail to agree an extension with Olise. In that situation, a summer departure for the France international could not be ruled out, leaving Bayern to recruit another player to compete with Karl for a starting position.
If the club believes Karl is ready to become a regular starter, his promotion could also lead to a significant salary increase. Sport Bild places the relevant second salary tier at between €10 million and €14 million per year, the level currently associated with Olise.
The third option would be to extend Karl’s contract independently of Olise’s future. Bayern could move early to secure the teenager on a long-term agreement before his value increases further.
That approach could also strengthen the club’s position in negotiations with Olise. Bayern would secure Karl on comparatively favourable terms while giving themselves greater leverage in discussions over the Frenchman’s future.
For Karl, however, the central question is whether his path to regular football is clear. His rapid progress has created an opportunity, but Olise’s situation could determine how quickly Bayern are prepared to give him a bigger role.