Barcelona finds its new great promise after losing JJ Gabriel
The young Englishman has opted for Real Madrid, and the Blaugrana have not wasted time lamenting and have already found a new promise.
Niko Ilicevic, a 16-year-old midfielder from Eintracht Frankfurt, has become the new target in the transfer market for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid for the upcoming markets. The young German just debuted in the Bundesliga, and his contractual situation has sparked interest from several European clubs.
According to SPORT, the blaugrana team is closely monitoring his development while the white team is advancing in the acquisition of JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old player from Manchester United. Barça sees Ilicevic as an alternative to strengthen its commitment to young talent. The Real Madrid wins another 'Clasico' against Barcelona: JJ Gabriel.
Niko Iličević (2010) vs Athletic Bilbao U19 - UYL KO Round (03/02/26) Remember the name.💫 https://t.co/b3rXngmISQ
— charlie (@chazzurri) February 3, 2026
Niko Ilicevic makes history in the Bundesliga at just 16 years old
On November 1, Ilicevic debuted with the first team of Eintracht Frankfurt during the victory of 3-1 against Hamburg. He entered in the 90th minute, replacing Can Uzun, and became the youngest debutant in the club's history.
At 16 years and one day, he also matched the Bundesliga precocity record set by Youssoufa Moukoko in 2020. His coach, Adi Hütter, later highlighted his performance and the work he had been doing during training.
The player mainly acts as an attacking midfielder, although he can occupy different positions centrally. He is left-footed and stands out for his ability to dribble, participate in creation, and approach the opposing area.
This season he has also recorded 4 goals and 3 assists in 7 matches with the Eintracht U19 team. These figures explain why several scouting departments are following his performances.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely monitoring Niko Ilicevic
FC Barcelona is not alone in the race. According to information published in Germany and Croatia, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Milan have also shown interest in the midfielder.
The Real Madrid is also among his suitors. The newspaper Bild has noted Madrid's interest, while Italian clubs are said to have sent scouts to directly evaluate the Eintracht player.
The situation is linked to the future of JJ Gabriel. The young English forward has a verbal agreement with the white team, according to Sky Sports, though there are still pending procedures to complete his acquisition.
The operation for Gabriel could reach a total estimated cost of 15 million euros, including salaries, bonuses, and commissions. Barça would have ruled out competing financially for the English player and is keeping other options open.
Niko Ilicevic's contract complicates his possible transfer
The main obstacle is his link with Eintracht Frankfurt. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the player has an agreement that will automatically convert into a professional contract when he turns 18 years old, which would keep him tied to the club until 2031.
His family reportedly requested to include an exit clause, but the German sports management rejected that possibility. Therefore, any interested team would have to negotiate directly with Eintracht, without a previously established buyout price.
Moreover, Ilicevic and his entourage believe that continuing in Frankfurt could benefit his development. The next step for FC Barcelona will be to continue following the player, while Real Madrid tries to finalize the signing of Gabriel and Eintracht prepares the gradual integration of their young midfielder into the first team.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barcelona encuentra a su nueva gran promesa tras perder a JJ Gabriel.