Top talent set to leave: Bayern risk losing another player on a free | OneFootball

For years, FC Bayern has been grappling with the challenge of how to permanently integrate its own talents from the campus into the professional team. Adin Licina now appears to be the next homegrown talent at risk. According to a report by Sky, the 18-year-old offensive player is considering a free transfer departure in the summer of 2026 if the club does not provide him with a clear perspective.

The management at Säbener Straße is indeed aiming for an extension with Licina, but according to Sky, the player has so far "not been presented with a reasonable plan" for his development. For the U19 national player, this is a crucial point: Without concrete prospects for appearances in the professional squad, the step away from Munich could become a reality.

It is no surprise that there is interest. Several clubs from both domestic and international leagues are reportedly closely monitoring the young player's situation. Names have not been mentioned yet, but the market for creative offensive players at this age is traditionally large.

A Fixture in the Regional League

Photo: IMAGO

Under head coach Vincent Kompany, Licina has not yet found a place in the professional squad. However, he is a key player in the second team. In the current season, he has made six appearances, scoring one goal and assisting four others. He already showcased his potential in the U19 Bundesliga last season.

The issue is not new: The club is repeatedly criticized for not providing sufficient pathways for talents. Although youngster Lennart Karl currently hopes for appearances with the pros and is considered a backup for newcomer Michael Olise, other homegrown players have had to take detours through loans or even club changes. For instance, Jonah Kusi-Asare was loaned to FC Fulham shortly before the transfer deadline after the signing of Nicolas Jackson intensified the competition.

Memories of Stiller and Yildiz

The potential situation with Licina brings to mind prominent cases from the recent past. Both Angelo Stiller (now a key player at VfB Stuttgart) and Kenan Yildiz (Juventus Turin, now a Turkish national player) left the record champions on a free transfer. Both developed into sought-after professionals away from Säbener Straße – a development Munich would prefer not to experience again.

Whether Bayern will react in time this time and bind Licina with a clear development plan remains to be seen. What is clear is that another free transfer loss of a highly regarded campus talent would fuel the critics who have been questioning the record champion's youth policy for years.

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