Who is Leonard Prescott? The 16-year-old born in New York could start in goal for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich could be forced into a big change for next week’s Champions League second leg against Atalanta, potentially handing a little-known 16-year-old his first professional start.

With a string of injuries to the club’s first three goalkeepers, New York-born Leonard Prescott looks set to get a start for Bayern. The teenager was on the bench for the first leg in Atalanta earlier this week but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the team.

Despite being born in the US, Prescott grew up in Germany and has six caps for the Germany national team at U17 level. He progressed in the youth ranks of Union Berlin but made the switch to Bayern Munich in 2023. Despite his young age, Prescott is already 6′5″ and has impressed for Bayern’s U19 team this season.

Why isn’t Manuel Neuer playing for Bayern Munich?

Despite turning 40 later this month, Manuel Neuer remains Bayern Munich’s first-choice goalkeeper. The veteran stopper suffered a calf muscle tear and is yet to return to team practice, leaving Vincent Kompany to turn to other options in goal.

Back-up Jonas Urbig played in Neuer’s place for the first leg against Atalanta but suffered a concussion in the final minutes of the game. With him out, Sven Ulreich stepped in for Saturday’s draw against Bayer Leverkusen but he suffered a torn right adductor. He is “sidelined for the time being,” according to a team report.

As it stands, Prescott is in pole position to get the start against Atalanta on Wednesday. Fortunately, however, Bayern have a 6-1 aggregate lead from the first leg so there will be minimal pressure on the young goalkeeper if he is called in for the game.

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