The most exciting transfer saga of the summer concluded on June 10th, with Bayer Leverkusen proudly announcing their victory in securing Kennet Eichhorn, widely considered the biggest talent in German football.
Details have now emerged on how the club managed to convince the 16-year-old to choose them over strong competition from both Germany and abroad.
According to the *Bild* newspaper, Eichhorn’s transfer was a «months-long joint project.» Several Leverkusen officials maintained very close contact with the midfielder’s family. Eichhorn, who was developed at Hertha BSC, made his professional debut in the 2. Bundesliga just days after his 16th birthday in August 2025.
Key figures involved in the pursuit included Kim Falkenberg, Director of Professional Football; youth squad planner Bernd Korzynietz; and liaison coach Markus Daun. A personal meeting with Bayer’s new head coach Carles Martinez and Sporting Director Simon Rolfes reportedly made the final decisive impact in favor of Leverkusen.
Professional Player and Intern: Eichhorn Likely to Hold Dual Role at Bayer
«We’ve known the family for a while, which was a significant advantage in the discussions. They visited last year, they’ve followed Bayer 04 closely, and have built good relationships with various staff members from both youth and professional departments,» Rolfes explained to *Bild*. «The entire club campaigned and fought for Kennet. That impressed them. Kennet’s parents said it was something very special.»
Eichhorn’s role at Leverkusen is also expected to be special. The youngster has not only moved to the Rhine region as an active footballer but is also highly likely to complete an internship there.
Rolfes told *Bild*: «After his technical college entrance qualification, Kennet still needs to complete an internship year, which he will probably do with us at the club. His parents are also moving here from Berlin.»
Premier League and Bundesliga Powerhouses Also Pursued Eichhorn
Major English clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, were reportedly interested in the Berlin jewel. The decision ultimately came down to a choice between Bayer and RB Leipzig.
In Berlin, Eichhorn, who played 17 league games for Hertha last season and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the 2. Bundesliga, had a contract until 2029. His contract with Leverkusen is reportedly valid until 2031, according to Sky. *Sport Bild* reports that the 16-year-old will earn an initial annual salary of around 2.5 million Euros. The release clause in Eichhorn’s Berlin contract, which Bayer ultimately activated, was reportedly close to ten million Euros.
English Translation:
The most exciting transfer saga of the summer concluded on June 10th, with Bayer Leverkusen proudly announcing their victory in securing Kennet Eichhorn, widely considered the biggest talent in German football.
Details have now emerged on how the club managed to convince the 16-year-old to choose them over strong competition from both Germany and abroad.
According to the *Bild* newspaper, Eichhorn’s transfer was a «months-long joint project.» Several Leverkusen officials maintained very close contact with the midfielder’s family. Eichhorn, who was developed at Hertha BSC, made his professional debut in the 2. Bundesliga just days after his 16th birthday in August 2025.
Key figures involved in the pursuit included Kim Falkenberg, Director of Professional Football; youth squad planner Bernd Korzynietz; and liaison coach Markus Daun. A personal meeting with Bayer’s new head coach Carles Martinez and Sporting Director Simon Rolfes reportedly made the final decisive impact in favor of Leverkusen.
Professional Player and Intern: Eichhorn Likely to Hold Dual Role at Bayer
«We’ve known the family for a while, which was a significant advantage in the discussions. They visited last year, they’ve followed Bayer 04 closely, and have built good relationships with various staff members from both youth and professional departments,» Rolfes explained to *Bild*. «The entire club campaigned and fought for Kennet. That impressed them. Kennet’s parents said it was something very special.»
Eichhorn’s role at Leverkusen is also expected to be special. The youngster has not only moved to the Rhine region as an active footballer but is also highly likely to complete an internship there.
Rolfes told *Bild*: «After his technical college entrance qualification, Kennet still needs to complete an internship year, which he will probably do with us at the club. His parents are also moving here from Berlin.»
Premier League and Bundesliga Powerhouses Also Pursued Eichhorn
Major English clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, were reportedly interested in the Berlin jewel. The decision ultimately came down to a choice between Bayer and RB Leipzig.
In Berlin, Eichhorn, who played 17 league games for Hertha last season and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the 2. Bundesliga, had a contract until 2029. His contract with Leverkusen is reportedly valid until 2031, according to Sky. *Sport Bild* reports that the 16-year-old will earn an initial annual salary of around 2.5 million Euros. The release clause in Eichhorn’s Berlin contract, which Bayer ultimately activated, was reportedly close to ten million Euros.