By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Colombian international Luis Díaz has provided the soundtrack for a positive week at Bayern Munich.
The 28-year-old's music video for "La Promesa" has not only topped charts but also become an anthem for the 2020 treble winners, with Alphonso Davies even carrying oversized speakers to the training pitch.
While the musically gifted Díaz celebrates keeping his promise to buy his parents a house, his teammates have embraced the South American sound, dancing their way from the locker room to practice.
The mood at the club has been further lifted by expected contract extensions for defender Dayot Upamecano and rookie Lennart Karl ahead of Sunday's second-half opener against Wolfsburg.
Club officials have not contested reports from the tabloid Bild of an agreement with the sought-after French international. Chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen called the deal "close to perfection."
Bild reports the long-term contract could be worth up to 20 million euros per season, including a significant signing bonus and an exit clause. Only minor details remain, positioning Bayern to fend off interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
While Upamecano has cited "trustful talks" with club leadership, a key date is approaching for rising star Lennart Karl: Feb. 22.
When he turns 18 that day, a prior arrangement makes his contract a fixed agreement until 2029. Bayern has also offered a new contract extending through 2031.
The striker's agent, former German international and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, has indirectly endorsed the deal by supporting a proposed salary increase to up to 7 million euros per season.
Despite the return of the brilliant Jamal Musiala to regular training after a long injury, Karl has earned praise for his recent performances and appears to be a logical candidate for German coach Julian Nagelsmann's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Karl is also said to be pleased by Bayern's interest in signing his 14-year-old brother, Vincent, a similarly talented midfielder currently with Eintracht Frankfurt's youth team.
Reflecting on these developments, Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said "a lot is possible" this season, with the club eyeing the 2026 Champions League title.
While RB Leipzig's Ivorian striker Yan Diomande and Cologne's Said El Mala remain future targets, Bayern feels prepared for its remaining Champions League group matches against Union Saint-Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven.
In addition to securing a Champions League knockout-stage berth, the Vincent Kompany-coached team holds a nine-point lead in the Bundesliga, a run highlighted by Luis Díaz's captivating form. ■
