Barcelona monitor Eintracht Frankfurt teenager Nico Ilicevich as European interest grows

Nico Ilicevich has emerged as a potential Barcelona target after Real Madrid moved close to completing a deal for 16-year-old midfielder JJ Gabriel.

Gabriel is expected to formally announce his transfer to Real Madrid shortly, in a move that could cost close to 15m euros, according to sources cited by Catalan newspaper Sport.

Real Madrid were determined to sign Gabriel, while the agreement between the club and the English player has been regarded in Barcelona as effectively settled for some time. Barcelona sporting director Deco has maintained a close relationship with Gabriel’s agent, Ali Barat, and has remained informed throughout the bidding process.

Barcelona are understood to regard Gabriel as a future star, but do not want to overpay for young players. Sport says the club believes Europe has several emerging talents capable of reaching a similar or higher level, including German teenager Nico Ilicevich.

Croatian media have reported in recent hours that Barcelona’s interest in Ilicevich goes beyond simply monitoring another promising prospect. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder made his Bundesliga debut last week, coming on against Hamburg in the closing stages shortly after turning 16.

Ilicevich played for about 10 minutes, but Eintracht Frankfurt manager Adolf Hutter was impressed by what he saw.

“In only six or seven minutes, he showed much more than expected. He was exceptional, but that does not surprise me because he has shown the same in training,” Hutter said.

Who is Nico Ilicevich?

Ilicevich is a traditional attacking midfielder who can operate in several positions across midfield. He is capable of advancing towards the edge of the penalty area and is noted for his outstanding left foot, according to Sport.

Despite his age and a height of less than 1.80m, he is regarded as competitive and mature. Ilicevich represents Germany at youth level and is the nephew of former prominent Croatia international Ivo Ilicevich.

The Croatian Football Federation has already contacted Ilicevich and people close to him as it considers the possibility of him eventually joining the senior national team.

Reports in Germany say scouts from Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are closely following his progress. Bild has also reported that Real Madrid are monitoring him, while Sky in Italy says Inter and Milan have sent representatives to watch the “great German jewel”.

Ilicevich is currently contracted to Eintracht Frankfurt until he turns 18. However, transfer speculation has increased his value and created pressure for his salary to be revised.

The club is said to have approached his representatives to secure his long-term future and avoid losing him without significant financial compensation. Ilicevich and his family responded positively, but reportedly want an additional clause allowing him to leave for a “reasonable price” if a leading European club makes an offer.

Sport says Barcelona have watched Ilicevich in person and continue to follow both his footballing and personal development, placing him among the club’s list of potential future talents.