While the incomings are not expected in the first team at Bayern Munich during the winter transfer window, the club chiefs continue their work on strengthening the academy. The emergence of Lennart Karl this season should further encourage Die Roten to invest heavily at the academy level.
Bayern may have completed their first big signing at the academy level. According to Fabrizio Romano (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern have won the race to sign Ecuadorian talent Virgilio Olaya from SD Aucas. The 17-year-old center-back will sign a 4.5-year contract starting from February 2026. Romano has reported that Bayern has managed to beat a big English club to sign the young defender.
Olaya is considered one of the highly rated defenders in South America. The teenager has played for Ecuador at the U-17 level. Bayern’s immediate plan is to send him out on loan once he arrives in Munich. Grasshopper Club Zürich features on the list of many options that are being considered as a potential loan destination for Olaya.
Considering the fact that Bayern want to send him out on loan to gain experience at the senior level, the Bavarian club is probably thinking about integrating him into the first team in the near future. It is crucial for the youngster’s development that Bayern find a club that can guarantee him a sizeable amount of gametime during the second half of the season.
Bayern agree terms of new deal with Cassiano Kaila
Along with signing new young talents, Bayern are also working on securing the future of young players that are already in the academy. As per Romano, Bayern have found a breakthrough in talks with Jorge Mendes regarding a new contract for Cassiano Kaila.
Bayern have reached an agreement in principle with Jorge Mendes, the new agent of Cassiano Kiala, over a new contract. The 16-year old will sign the new deal soon [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/lb7P6MEOqO
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 23, 2025
The 16-year-old defender is one of the highly rated players at Bayern’s academy. He has been training with the first team this season. The youngster made his debut with the senior team in the 4-0 win against FC Heidenheim just before the winter break. He is now expected to sign his new contract in the coming weeks.
As long as Bayern provide a credible pathway for the youngster in the first team, they will attract the best talents across the globe. Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, and Josip Stanisic are prime examples of the success of Bayern’s youth academy. All three players made the most of their opportunities. The head coaches also deserve credit for showing trust in youngsters during difficult times. Since the transfer fees are getting bigger by each passing transfer window, Bayern have to ensure that they develop a good pipeline of young talents at the academy level.