Image Credits: Imago Images
Bayer Leverkusen have been busy this summer with major changes at dugout level being matched by an aggressive start to the transfer market.
The appointment of Carles Martinez as head coach has been followed by a clear statement of intent from the hierarchy.
That urgency has spilled straight into the transfer market with the signing of Kennet Eichhorn.
The 16‑year‑old midfielder had been one of the most sought‑after teenagers in Europe, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig all credited with serious interest.
Reports at the time made clear that Liverpool tabled a hugely attractive proposal, both financially and in terms of the club’s stature, in an effort to lure him to Anfield this summer.
However, Eichhorn ultimately rejected that move, opting instead to remain in his home country and join the setup at the BayArena.
Now Bayer Leverkusen has now lifted the lid on how they beat Liverpool and the rest of the suitors.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has revealed that their long-standing relationship with the parents of Eichhorn, combined with how they showed them how badly they wanted the teenager, was enough to convince the Eichhorn family that it was the right move to make:
“We have known the family for quite some time; that was a major advantage in the discussions. They were here last year, they have been closely following Bayer 04 and have built a good connection with various staff members from the academy and the first-team setup,” Rolfes said to BILD.
“As an entire club, we campaigned for and fought for Kennet. That made an impression. Kennet’s parents said that this was something very special.”
“I said to Kennet:, You haven’t played for us yet, but you already know half the club.”
For the Reds, missing out on such a highly rated prospect is a clear blow, especially given how hard they pushed and how competitive their offer was.