Hamann Urges Nagelsmann to Take Bayern Teenager Lennart Karl to World Cup

Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann has called on Julian Nagelsmann to include Bayern Munich prodigy Lennart Karl in Germany’s World Cup squad, saying the 18‑year‑old already plays like a seasoned professional.

A rapid rise for the Bayern starlet

Karl has broken into Bayern’s first team after only eight or nine months of senior football, earning a call‑up for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana. His selection signals that he is firmly in the frame for the World Cup.

High praise from a former international

He's 18 and has only been playing professionally for eight or nine months, but you get the feeling that there's a seasoned pro on the pitch. Everything he does has a naturalness and ease. With his ability to outmaneuver opponents one‑on‑one and create numerical superiority on the wing, we simply can't afford not to take him to the World Cup, given the players we have available.

Hamann added that Karl’s rare natural talent is something the national team simply cannot overlook.

Surprise inclusions in Nagelsmann's list

While welcoming Karl’s call‑up, Hamann expressed surprise at the inclusion of Leroy Sane and Pascal Gross. He noted that Sane has not been a regular starter at Galatasaray recently, and questioned Gross’s role despite acknowledging his potential as a connecting player.

Fighting for a flight to the World Cup

Karl will have the chance to impress in training before Germany’s fixture against Switzerland. After that match, Die Mannschaft will prepare to face Ghana on March 30, giving the teenager a final audition for a World Cup spot.