Barcelona and Real Madrid among clubs tracking Eintracht Frankfurt teenager Nico Ilischevich

Nico Ilischevich, the 15-year-old German attacking prospect at Eintracht Frankfurt, is attracting interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter.

The left-footed youngster has made a rapid rise through the German club’s academy and is already being monitored by several of Europe’s leading sides. Sky Sport Germany reports that Barcelona are following his development particularly closely as part of their strategy to identify young players with the potential to reach the highest level.

Ilischevich can operate in several attacking positions and, despite his age, represents Germany at under-17 level. His progress has accelerated significantly in recent years, bringing him to the attention of clubs hoping to secure his services at an early stage.

He joined Eintracht Frankfurt’s academy in 2018 from VfR Goldbach. At the age of 13, Ilischevich made his first appearance for the club’s under-17 side before stepping up to the under-19 team when he was 14.

Eintracht move to protect teenager’s future

Eintracht Frankfurt are aware of the growing interest in their young player and acted last summer to strengthen their position. The club announced that Ilischevich had signed a long-term contract, although the details and the date on which the agreement would be completed were not disclosed at the time.

According to Sky Sport Germany, the deal will become increasingly significant when Ilischevich turns 16 at the end of October. At that point, the existing agreement will convert into a professional contract, giving Eintracht greater scope to retain him and establish a structured plan for his development.

The club’s intention is to introduce Ilischevich gradually to the first-team environment. Eintracht hope that exposure to the senior squad will eventually lead to an opportunity to make his professional debut, while also showing the teenager that his immediate future can be based in Frankfurt.

Barcelona continue to track the player, but face competition from a group of major European clubs. Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter are also watching the teenager, whose profile has risen despite him not yet having turned 16.

The interest in Ilischevich means the battle for one of Germany’s emerging young talents has begun early, with Eintracht Frankfurt seeking to secure his development and the leading clubs in Europe assessing whether to make a move.