Bayern Munich has signed a new talent for their U19 team just before the start of the 2026/27 season. The 17-year-old Greek center-back Konstantinos Karandrikas joins from Atromitos Athens and has signed a long-term contract. The new signing is set to strengthen the defense of the youth team, especially after other players like Filip Pavić skipped the U19 entirely. ## Who is Konstantinos Karandrikas? Born in Peristeri, Karandrikas started his career at Heraklis Peristeri before moving to Atromitos Athens. The right-footed defender most recently played for the U17 team of the Greek capital club and is known as an athletic defender with good build-up play. ## Why is this signing important? After the departure of Filip Pavić, who skipped the U19, Bayern Munich needed reinforcement in central defense. Karandrikas has been on the scouts' radar for some time and is now expected to fill the gap. He made his debut in the first match of the season, highlighting the urgency of the signing. ## What does the club say? Michael Wiesinger, Head of Sport and Youth Development, spoke positively about the new signing: 'Our scouts have been observing Konstantinos for an extended period. He is an athletic center-back with good build-up play and will strengthen our U19 squad. We are excited about his development with us.' ## What comes next? Karandrikas will now play for Bayern Munich's U19 team and continue to develop. The 2026/27 season has already begun, and the young defender will play an important role in the team. With this signing, Bayern Munich once again shows how important youth development is to the club. Currently, players like Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry are sidelined with injuries and will miss matches.