Another 'Yildiz case'? Bayern risk losing another Campus gem | OneFootball

FC Bayern aims to realign its youth development in the long term, focusing more on talents from its own campus. With players like Aleksandar Pavlovic, Josip Stanisic, Lennart Karl, or Wisdom Mike, this path is already bearing its first fruits. However, while some youngsters are allowed to take their chances in the professional squad, the next top talent is apparently on the verge of leaving: Adin Licina.

The 18-year-old offensive player has been considered one of the most exciting players in Bayern's youth for years. But like so many talents before him, Licina faces the central question of whether a breakthrough in Munich is realistically achievable. According to information from Sky, the youngster has so far "not been presented with a reasonable plan" for his sporting development.

The problem is well-known: Without a concrete perspective on regular appearances in the first team, many talents risk making the leap into professional football outside Säbener Straße. Licina could also take this path – and soon.

Juventus Turin wants to sign Bayern talent Licina

Photo: IMAGO

As reported by the portal Absolut Fussball, indications are increasing that Licina could leave FC Bayern free of charge in the summer of 2026. The 18-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season, and so far no agreement on an extension is in sight. Particularly poignant: According to the portal, Juventus Turin is in concrete talks with the player's side.

A scenario with bitter irony for the record champion – because in the summer of 2022, they already lost a major homegrown talent, Kenan Yildiz, to the same club. The now 20-year-old has developed in Turin into a permanent part of the first team and a symbol of how valuable lost talents can become for other clubs.

Juventus is likely to bring this success story into the negotiations with Licina to convince the offensive player of a move to Italy. The U19 national player is considered technically skilled, versatile, and intelligent in play – qualities that make him sought after internationally.

But Juve is not alone: According to Absolut Fussball, Borussia Dortmund is also intensely interested in Licina. The Black and Yellows have been pursuing the strategy of specifically promoting young talents and integrating them into the Bundesliga early on – a model that has already borne fruit with many players.

Bayern fights for extension

In Munich, there is still hope to prevent the departure. The officials, including sports director Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund, are reportedly still working on a contract extension. However, under Vincent Kompany, Licina has not yet found a permanent place in the professional squad.

The 18-year-old was at least allowed to travel on the Asia tour in the summer of 2024 and celebrated his unofficial professional debut in a test match against Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul. Since then, he has been part of the regular staff of the second team, where he has made nine appearances in the current regional league season, scored one goal, and assisted four others.

In Munich, they are aware of the youngster's potential – but also of the risk of losing him without a clear perspective. If Licina indeed seeks the next step at Juventus Turin or even at BVB, FC Bayern faces another painful loss from its own youth.

One thing is clear: The "Kenan Yildiz case" must not be repeated at Säbener Straße – but the parallels are unmistakable.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.