Bayern really wanted him: Top prospect decides against Munich | OneFootball

FC Bayern apparently wanted to lure one of Germany’s top young talents to Munich. But Niko Ilicevic, who was only 15 at the time, decided otherwise.

FC Bayern has been on the hunt for top talent for years and apparently had Niko Ilicevic of Eintracht Frankfurt at the very top of its list. As reported by BILD, the Munich club was desperate to bring the 15-year-old attacking player to the Isar.

Bayern reportedly wanted Ilicevic to follow a similar path to Lennart Karl, who once moved from Frankfurt’s youth academy to Munich. But this time, Eintracht won the race. FC Barcelona is also said to have courted Ilicevic intensively.

The left-footed player decided to stay in Frankfurt and signed a development contract in July. Even more important for Eintracht: According to BILD, a professional contract has already been negotiated, set to take effect on Ilicevic’s 18th birthday.

In doing so, the Hessian club has secured one of its greatest talents for the long term while simultaneously outmaneuvering prominent rivals from Munich and Barcelona.

Ilicevic could be playing in the Bundesliga as early as age 16

Photo: IMAGO

His current role shows just how high expectations are for Ilicevic. Although he is still young enough to play for the B-youth team, the attacking midfielder is already a regular member of Frankfurt’s professional squad. According to BILD, he stands out even in training with the experienced players thanks to his technical skills, speed, and creativity.

Given his position and playing style, comparisons are already being drawn in Frankfurt to Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. National team coach Jürgen Klopp is also said to have taken notice of this exceptional talent.

Eintracht is therefore making long-term plans with Ilicevic. According to BILD, sporting director Markus Krösche is even said to have decided against signing Louey Ben Farhat because of the youngster. Ilicevic is expected to eventually succeed Can Uzun as the team’s playmaker. According to the report, Frankfurt anticipates Uzun will leave in the summer of 2027.

So far, only Ilicevic’s age has prevented his Bundesliga debut. The youngster will turn 16 on October 30, at which point he’ll meet the requirements to play in Germany’s top flight. Just two days later, Frankfurt will host Hamburger SV at home.

However, Ilicevic would narrowly miss setting a Bundesliga record if he plays. Youssoufa Moukoko was exactly 16 years and one day old when he made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in 2020. Ilicevic would already be 16 years and two days old when facing HSV.

For FC Bayern, the young player’s decision is nonetheless noteworthy. After signing Karl, the Munich club apparently wanted to sign the next highly promising offensive talent from Frankfurt—but this time, Eintracht was able to keep its young star.