Bayern Munich have handed debuts to several young players from the academy this season. Lennart Karl has been the biggest success story for Bayern, but several other teenagers from the reserve team have had the opportunity to play in the senior team.
In the second leg against Atalanta, 16-year-old center-back Filip Pavic replaced Josip Stanisic in the 72nd minute. Die Roten have enjoyed great rewards for backing players like Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, and Josip Stanisic, who came through the reserves team.
Bayern would have another young star in the squad if they had given him opportunities in the first team four years ago. Kenan Yildiz came through Bayern’s academy, but had to leave Juventus for regular game time in 2022.
Since leaving Bavaria, Yildiz has gone from strength to strength at Juventus. He is one of their key players in the first team. The Turkish attacking midfielder can become one of the next big money departures from Juventus in the coming years.
Considering the fact that Yildiz spent 10 years in Munich, it is a shame that he didn’t get the opportunity to show his talent at Allianz Arena. In a recent interview with Corsport (via iMiaSanMia), Yildiz revealed the reason behind leaving Bayern after spending a decade in  Bavaria.
"I've been here for four years, and everyone has always shown me great trust, something that was missing at Bayern. I was there for eleven years and I never felt their trust; there was always someone who was better than me. So it was easy, I'd say even natural, for me to leave"Kenan Yildiz
Yildiz also denied suggestions that he left Bayern because Juventus offered him a lucrative contract. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder never got a chance to play for the first team at Bayern. Barcelona and Juventus competed for his signature on a free transfer in 2022. The Italian club eventually managed to win the race to sign him.
Juventus consider Yildiz as part of their long-term plans. In 124 appearances for the senior team, Yildiz has scored 27 goals and provided 21 assists. He is currently part of Juventus’ strongest lineup and is probably the best young player in Serie A.
Bayern learnt their lesson from losing Yildiz to Juventus
Bayern certainly regret not keeping Yildiz, but such outcomes are bound to happen at every big club. The priority for the Bavarian club moving forward should be to provide ideal conditions for young players to flourish. Die Roten should consistently invest in young players and be brave enough to give them opportunities in the first team.
If they had given Yildiz opportunities in the first team after his exploits for the U-19, who knows, he might have been playing for Bayern right now. The record Bundesliga club will hope they don’t miss out on another talent like him in the future.
Stats courtesy- Transfermarkt