Niko Ilicevic of Germany
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB
Real Madrid continue to scour the international market for young talents with the potential to reach the elite, and one of the latest names to appear on their radar is Niko Ilicevic, one of the brightest prospects in the Eintracht Frankfurt academy.
Indeed, according to Sky Germany (h/t SPORT), the 15-year-old attacking midfielder is being monitored by several of Europe’s leading clubs, including Real Madrid.
Along with Los Blancos, their arch-rivals Barcelona are also following his development alongside Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
A rapid rise through the Eintracht academy
Ilicevic has already attracted significant attention in German football. Despite his age, he has established himself as one of the country’s most promising young players and is already an Germany U17 international.
Ilicevic is a left-footed attacking midfielder who can operate in several positions in the attacking third of the pitch. His rapid development has been evident throughout his time in Frankfurt.
Niko Ilicevic of Germany
An exciting talent. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)
He joined the German club’s academy in 2018 from VfR Goldbach and made his debut for the U17 side at just 13 years old. A year later, at 14, he stepped up to compete with the U19 team.
His progress has now brought him onto the radar of some of the biggest clubs in European football, with Real Madrid among those keeping a particularly close eye on his development.
Eintracht move to protect their young talent
Eintracht Frankfurt are fully aware of the interest surrounding their young player and have been working for months to protect his future.
The Bundesliga club regard the Germany youth international as one of the most promising talents to emerge from their academy in recent years.
Niko Ilicevic of Germany
Real Madrid tracking Ilicevic. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)
As such, this past summer, the German club announced that Ilicevic had signed a long-term agreement, although they did not reveal the exact expiry date at the time.
According to the report, when Ilicevic turns 16 at the end of October, his current agreement will become a professional contract.
Eintracht hope this will secure his future while also providing him with a quicker pathway towards the first team.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue to monitor Ilicevic closely. The competition for his signature is likely to be intense, with virtually every major in Europe keeping track of his progress.
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