Liverpool are in “pole position” to sign Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn – and could complete a deal this week due to the teenager’s release clause.
Eichhorn is set to leave German second-tier side Hertha this summer and Liverpool are among the clubs leading the race.
Sky Germany report that the Reds remain in “pole position” despite wider interest in the 16-year-old including from Man City and Bayern Munich.
Who is Liverpool target Kennet Eichhorn?
Full Name: Kennet EichhornAge: 16 (July 27, 2009)Height: 6’1″ (186cm)Birthplace: Bernau bei Berlin, Germany
Club: Hertha BerlinPosition: Defensive MidfielderFoot: RightRelease Clause: €9m (£7.8m)
Bayern have however now ruled themselves out of contention, with Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund and RB Leipzig considered Liverpool’s competitors at this stage.
A deal is likely to be arranged within the next seven days as Eichhorn’s release clause expires on June 15.
The clause means the deep-lying midfielder is available for around €9 million (£7.8m), though it has been claimed elsewhere that his camp are seeking a further €10 million (£8.6m) as a signing-on fee.
Liverpool appear comfortable with the parameters of any deal and as it stands they seem most likely to convince Eichhorn to sign.
The Germany U17 international will, however, be unable to officially sign for Liverpool until he turns 18 next summer.
Instead, the expectation is that a deal will be brokered ahead of time with Eichhorn then sent on loan from Hertha to a side in the Bundesliga for the 2026/27 campaign.
Why Leverkusen could emerge for Kennet Eichhorn loan
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, October 26, 2023: Toulouse's head coach Carles Martinez Novell during the UEFA Europa League Group E matchday 3 game between Liverpool FC and Toulouse FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is therefore interesting that Sky Germany name Leverkusen as a possible destination in that regard despite their own interest in landing a permanent transfer.
Leverkusen, now managed by Carles Martinez Novell (pictured above), hold a strong relationship with Liverpool – and if the Reds are successful in signing Eichhorn, the German club could present him with an ideal temporary home.
That comes with U19s coach Konstantinos Kotsifakis, who worked closely with the midfielder at Hertha, making the move to Leverkusen’s staff this summer.
?? Leverkusen and Leipzig are not giving up on Kennet Eichhorn either. Both clubs have pushed hard again in recent hours and held concrete talks with the player’s camp.
Leverkusen are trying to sign him on a permanent deal. Acting as a loan destination for a Premier League… pic.twitter.com/DlWjhR1XmI
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 8, 2026
While Kotsifakis will hold a role in Leverkusen’s academy and Eichhorn would be considered a first-team player, the 29-year-old’s presence could be vital as he is described as the youngster’s “trusted confidant.”
If they decide to action a move, Liverpool’s pursuit is likely to develop rapidly over the coming days amid ongoing talks.
Eichhorn – who only turns 17 later this month but has already played 19 times for Hertha’s first team – could then look to gain valuable experience in the Bundesliga before arriving as part of Andoni Iraola‘s squad in a year’s time.