Reports suggesting FC Bayern’s interest in Hertha BSC’s junior national team player Kennet Eichhorn have gained new momentum.
According to Sky, the highly-rated talent remains on Bayern’s list of potential new signings for the upcoming season. The club at Säbener Straße is reportedly hoping to «outshine the competition» in the pursuit of Eichhorn, with the clear intention of signing him «at all costs» and viewing him as a «man of the future.»
There have been recurring reports of FCB’s interest in the central midfielder over the past months. In December of last year, Bild reported that scouts from the German record champions were «deeply impressed» by Eichhorn’s combination of dribbling, vision, composure, dynamism, and transitional play, coupled with an «incredible physical maturity.»
However, in mid-March, Sport1 reported that the recently crowned German champions had withdrawn from the race for Eichhorn’s services. Two reasons were cited: Firstly, the overall package was reportedly considered too expensive for the Munich club. Eichhorn’s release clause in his long-term contract (the duration of which was not disclosed upon his extension in 2025) is said to be between ten and twelve million euros for the upcoming summer.
Secondly, Bayern’s management reportedly feared that a transfer for Eichhorn could cause unrest within the club’s currently highly productive youth academy. If the latest Sky report is to be believed, these factors are no longer an obstacle.
With Leon Goretzka (31) and Raphael Guerreiro (32) departing on free transfers, both capable of playing in midfield, Bayern are looking to strengthen. In contrast, young player Noel Aseko (20), who is comfortable in midfield, is returning to Bayern. Aside from key players Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof is also available for the defensive midfield role.
Kennet Eichhorn is Highly Sought After
Eichhorn is considered one of the most sought-after young players in Germany. According to Bild, Dortmund (BVB) have intensified their interest in recent weeks. Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be pursuing the teenager. Furthermore, England’s top club, Manchester City, has been linked with Eichhorn.
Eichhorn made an immediate breakthrough into the Hertha first team in his debut season under coach Stefan Leitl, becoming an undisputed starter in the holding midfield position throughout the season. In early December, he even made history as the youngest goalscorer in the DFB-Pokal.
His progress was hampered by a severe ankle injury around the New Year, forcing him to miss almost three months of action. He only returned in early April. He is now captaining the German U17 national team.
Hertha’s chances of promotion to the Bundesliga have significantly diminished this weekend. Following their 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Eintracht Braunschweig, the sixth-placed team now trails the promotion playoff spot by seven points with four games remaining in the season. Second place is even ten points away. Eichhorn was sent off with a red card in Braunschweig.
Kennet Eichhorn’s Statistics for Hertha BSC this Season
| Appearances | 18 |
| Full Appearances (90 mins) | 2 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
| Red Cards | 1 |