FC Bayern will be without captain Manuel Neuer for the Champions League round of 16 against Atalanta Bergamo. The 39-year-old is still out with a torn muscle fibre in his calf. This presents a special opportunity for one of Munich’s young goalkeeping talents
As reported by BILD, Leonard Prescott will be in the matchday squad for the first time for the away game in Bergamo – and in the top flight. The goalkeeper, who is only 16 years old, will be the third option on the bench behind Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich
The reason for Prescott’s surprising nomination is the tight personnel situation in the Bayern goal, with Manuel Neuer still injured and substitute keeper Leon Klanac also unavailable
This currently leaves coach Vincent Kompany with only Urbig and Ulreich as experienced goalkeeper options, which is why the record champions are turning to youngster Prescott for the third spot in the squad
More players are allowed to sit on the bench in the Champions League than in the Bundesliga, which is why the talented goalkeeper will be part of the official matchday squad for the first time
Prescott is regarded as a great goalkeeping talent
The 16-year-old is actually part of FC Bayern’s U19 squad and is considered one of the most exciting goalkeeping talents on campus
At 1.96 metres tall, Prescott already has the ideal physical attributes for a modern keeper. He was born in New York but grew up in Berlin. He moved to Munich from the youth ranks of Union Berlin in the summer of 2023
In addition to his appearances for Bayern Juniors, Prescott is also a member of the German U17 national team squad
However, Prescott is not completely new to contact with the first team, as the young keeper has already been involved in training with the professionals on several occasions
He was also part of Munich’s extended squad for a test match against RB Salzburg in January
The trip to Bergamo is now the next step, and although it is extremely unlikely that he will play, the 16-year-old will get his first taste of Champions League football and gain important experience in the first team environment.