JJ Gabriel is reportedly nearing an official move to Real Madrid in a deal that could cost the Spanish club close to 15m euros, according to sources close to the transfer quoted by Catalan newspaper Sport.
The 16-year-old midfielder is wanted by Real Madrid at almost any price, with an agreement between the player and the club widely regarded in Barcelona as effectively settled for some time. Barcelona sporting director Deco has maintained a close relationship with Gabriel’s English agent, Ali Barat, and has been kept informed throughout the bidding process.
Barcelona have no intention of taking unnecessary risks over young players, despite viewing Gabriel as a potential future star. Sport says the Catalan club believes Europe has several emerging talents who could soon reach, or surpass, his level.
One player attracting particular attention is German teenager Nico Ilicevic. Croatian media have reported that Barcelona’s interest in the 16-year-old extends beyond routine monitoring of an exciting prospect.
Ilicevic made his Bundesliga debut for Eintracht Frankfurt last week, appearing in the closing stages of their match against Hamburg shortly after turning 16. He played for about 10 minutes, but Eintracht manager Adolf Hutter was impressed by what he saw.
“In only six or seven minutes, he showed much more than was expected,” Hutter said. “He was exceptional, but that does not surprise me because he had shown the same in training.”
Who is Nico Ilicevic?
Sport describes Ilicevic as a classic attacking midfielder capable of operating in several positions across midfield. He is comfortable moving towards the edge of the penalty area and is noted for possessing an outstanding left foot.
Despite his young age and being under 1.80 metres tall, Ilicevic is considered competitive and mature. He represents Germany at youth level and is the nephew of former prominent Croatia international Ivo Ilicevic.
The Croatian Football Federation has already made contact with Nico and those around him as it prepares for the possibility of him eventually joining the senior national team.
Reports in Germany say scouts from Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are closely following his progress. Bild has also reported that Real Madrid are monitoring him, while Sky in Italy says Inter and Milan have sent representatives to watch the “great German jewel”.
Contract concerns
Ilicevic’s current contract with Eintracht Frankfurt runs until he turns 18. However, transfer speculation has already increased expectations around the teenager and led to calls for his salary to be revised.
Eintracht are understood to have sounded out the player’s representatives about securing his future and avoiding a departure that would bring the club only limited financial return. Ilicevic and his family responded positively, but want an additional clause allowing him to leave for a “reasonable price” if a major European club makes an offer.
Sport says Barcelona have watched Ilicevic in person and continue to follow both his footballing and personal development.
