Kennet Eichhorn’s emergence at Hertha Berlin in the 2025/26 season has made waves in Europe. The 16-year-old has emerged to become one of the 2. Bundesliga club’s most important players and plays at a level no one so young should be able to reach. To top it off, he has a release clause that stands at around €12 million. Naturally, top clubs all over Europe, including England, are interested in the youngster. Bayern Munich is one of them.
However, teams in England are at a severe disadvantage. They are not allowed to register players from Europe before they turn 18, which Eichhorn will not do until July 27, 2027. And yet, according to Florian Plettenberg, Manchester City are making concrete moves to secure the services of Eichhorn. @iMiaSanMia captures Plettenberg’s report on the plan of Sheikh Mansour’s sports washing project:
Manchester City are making concrete moves for Kennet Eichhorn with Pep Guardiola personally involved. City’s plan is to sign Eichhorn from Hertha and then loan him out to Bayer Leverkusen so that he gets match practice in the Bundesliga. Bayern remain seriously interested in Eichhorn, as he’s the club’s top target for the midfield. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also there. €10-12m release clause. Player has yet to make a decision.
BFW Analysis
How much sense does this transfer truly make for all parties? Manchester City would, of course, sign a huge German talent. The last time they did so, Leroy Sané turned out pretty alright. But would Eichhorn really push through a move to the crowded midfield of the Citizens when he could take another step in Germany and accept a loan until he turns 18 to boot? And would a loan to Leverkusen even work?
Though he has clearly outgrown the 2. Bundesliga, that does not mean he will immediately be able to start regularly for a Bayer Leverkusen side challenging to qualify for the Champions League. Leverkusen get little from such a one year loan. Furthermore, the last time Leverkusen and City agreed a loan deal it was for City’s talent Claudio Echeverri. But the Argentinian left Germany in a huff after just a few short months, unhappy with the arrangement.
On the face of it, City’s plan makes very little sense. But we have seen how much sense money can bring to a foolish plan before. Let us see if Eichhorn is swayed by the same logic.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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