Manchester United have joined Premier League and European heavyweights in the race to sign Hertha Berlin and Germany starlet Kennet Eichhorn.
The 2009-born defensive midfielder joined Hertha’s academy at Under-9 level, and, still just 16 years old, has already established himself as a regular starter in the first team and been named captain of Germany’s U17 side.
He has made nine 2. Bundesliga appearances this campaign, seven of which were starts, and also played 71 minutes of a DFB Pokal win over Elversberg.
Eichhorn’s performances have caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Man United, who are keen to bolster their midfield options.
According to Sky Germany, the Red Devils face competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Domestically, a variety of Bundesliga sides are also thought to be keen, including the giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested.
Eichhorn’s contract, which runs until 2029, reportedly contains a release clause worth just €10-12million (£8.8m-£10.5m), though Bild claim Hertha hope to bring in a windfall fee in the region of €20m (£17m).
According to reports, United have already dispatched scouts to the German capital to watch Eichhorn in action, as have Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Injuries helped Eichhorn into Hertha’s frst team, but manager Stefan Leitl has made clear that the 16-year-old is now among the first names on the team-sheet. Speaking ahead of hosting Düsseldorf in October, he said: “We’re happy that everyone is available again. We’ll decide tomorrow after the final training session. Let’s put it this way: who will play alongside Kennet Eichhorn in midfield?”
Eichhorn has some experience of playing against British opposition, having represented Hertha’s U21 side in the Premier League International Cup in 2024. His only involvement in the tournament came when he played 45 minutes of a 5-3 loss to Fulham as Hertha finished third in their group, behind the Cottagers and Nordsjaelland.
