Barcelona tracking 15-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt wonderkid as AC Milan, Man City join race

According to SPORT, Barcelona are monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt youngster Niko Ilicevic, with several of Europe’s biggest clubs also tracking the 15-year-old attacker.

The Catalan club has continued to explore the market for emerging talents, with sporting director Deco overseeing efforts to identify players capable of developing into first-team options in the coming years.

This time, the Blaugrana are following Ilicevic, a Germany Under-17 international alongside Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter Milan. 

Barcelona identify Ilicevic as a rising talent

Ilicevic is a left-footed playmaker who can operate in different attacking positions. 

His versatility and progress through Eintracht Frankfurt’s academy have made him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to secure promising players before they reach senior football.

Furthermore, his international experience with Germany’s Under-17 side has added to his profile. 

Barcelona are keeping tabs on Niko Ilicevic. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)

Barcelona, on their part, are keeping a close watch on his development, although there is no indication that an approach has been made.

At the same time, Frankfurt are aware of the attention surrounding their academy product and have taken steps to protect his future at the club.

Eintracht Frankfurt trying to secure Ilicevic’s future

The outlet mentions that the German club announced Ilicevic’s long-term contract extension last summer, although the exact date of the agreement was not disclosed.

Notably, the deal will only become a professional contract when he turns 16, which will be at the end of October. 

Frankfurt hope the arrangement will help retain the youngster while providing a pathway towards their first team.

Niko Ilicevic is also wanted by Real Madrid, Man City, Inter and AC Milan. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)

That situation could make any potential move complicated for Barcelona and their rivals, with Frankfurt keen to keep one of their most promising young players.

Barcelona face major competition

Barcelona have increasingly looked beyond established names to identify young players with long-term potential in recent times. 

On that note, Hamza Abdelkarim and Jesse Bisiwu are recent examples of the club’s interest in emerging talent.

Ilicevic fits that recruitment approach, but Barcelona are far from alone in the pursuit. 

With Real Madrid, Manchester City and two leading Italian clubs also monitoring him, any future move could develop into a competitive race.