Messi’s Dribbling, Weak Body: Adin Ličina’s Bayern Future in Doubt?

Footem.in – Bayern Munich‘s Adin Ličina is facing an uncertain future amidst internal doubts about the young winger. Despite his impressive technical skills, questions remain about whether he possesses the qualities needed to secure a long-term spot at one of Europe’s top clubs.

Ličina was among the five young players Vincent Kompany selected for the 2024 pre-season tour in Seoul. The left-footed right-winger displayed captivating agility, tricks, and individual technique during the tour.

This performance was expected to be a launchpad for the 2024-25 season; however, a series of injuries hampered his development and severely limited his playing time.

While the 2025-26 season has seen fewer injury setbacks, Ličina’s performances haven’t quite reached Bayern’s expectations.

He continues to showcase moments of dazzling dribbling, capable of maneuvering past multiple defenders. However, physical limitations often lead to losing possession in strength-based challenges.

Sky reporter Kerry Hau, via @iMiaSanMia_GER, succinctly summarized the situation: Ličina’s contract expires in 2026, and while he is currently seeing more regular playing time, his primary weaknesses remain intensity and physicality.

Tough Competition and an Unclear Future

Despite his recognized talent within his age group, Bayern is reportedly interested in retaining Ličina. However, doing so would require the club to guarantee him opportunities to break into the first team, something that is facing internal resistance.

Competition for his position has intensified, with Lennart Karl delivering more convincing performances and now seen as the preferred option for the left-footed right-wing role. These factors – performance concerns, an expiring contract, and Karl’s emergence – diminish Ličina’s chances of staying, though the possibility isn’t completely ruled out.

Bayern’s Focus Shifts to Bundesliga

Following their midweek DFB-Pokal match, Bayern Munich is now turning its attention back to the Bundesliga.

Speculation suggests that the tension in the club’s boardrooms might be higher than on the field, given that Bayern is set to host Bayer Leverkusen, the league leaders.

Leverkusen has demonstrated significant improvement compared to their early-season form. However, the team is not yet considered to have reached the level of the “magic generation” led by Xabi Alonso that won the Bundesliga two years prior.