Not all youth talent makes it to the first team. Even though Bayern Munich boast four players in the first team squad that graduated from the academy straight to the first team, plenty of other players have
not made the jump for one reason or another. It is not always about talent.
That may well be the case for the likes of Adin Ličina. The right sided forward/attacking midfielder is skillful, smooth on the ball, capable of serious star quality moments and, since joining Bayern at age 8, has navigated his way over every hurdle at the Bayern Campus. But the final step is not going to come anymore, even if it seemed like it could after some promising cameos in the 2024 pre-season,. He then most of the 2024-25 campaign to injuries. Now, in the 2025/26 season, he is no longer a regular starter for Bayern’s U-23 team in the Regionalliga despite remaining fit. The talent is there, but the injuries, the current pathway and the fit in the squad simply do not fit. Lennart Karl, who is similar in many ways to Ličina, has taken over that youth spot in the attack.
All of this could mean that, according to Bild (and captured by @iMiaSanMia_GER), Ličina could leave the club as early as January:
Adin Ličina could leave FC Bayern in the winter. The leap to the senior team is too big. There is interest from Portugal, Italy, England and the Netherlands. Bayern supports the idea that he gains playing experience at a high level.
However, @iMiaSanMia_GER also captures the possibility that the exit may not be permanent:
Bayern would, however, like to have a buyback option or a right of first refusal in order to not completely lose access to bringing back Ličina.
Bayern are always very secretive about the contracts of their young players, but the latest information given has Ličina’s contract expiring in June of 2026. If this is indeed the entire length of the rest of his contract, one wonders if the Bavarians will be able to get the conditions they want for Ličina.
