Bayer Leverkusen Beat Manchester City To Sign German Wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn
Bayer Leverkusen have officially signed German wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin, after beating Manchester City and other top European teams in the race for his signature.
Bayer Leverkusen have successfully secured hot German wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin, contrary to what many expected to be a move to Manchester City or other big European teams. At the age of 16, Eichhorn immediately made his talent felt this season, so he was quickly noticed by talent scouts across the continent.
Manchester City's pursuit was no joke. It is said that City's scouting and negotiations were intense, especially since Eichhorn was given the opportunity to play 17 times in the 2. Bundesliga, and he even recorded new history as the youngest debutant in the league at 16 years and 14 days, and the youngest to score a goal in the DFB-Pokal in history, surpassing Jude Bellingham's record.
Although Manchester City convinced Eichhorn's camp for a career path in England, the opportunity to play immediately in the first team of a Bundesliga contender remained weighty for the youngster.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/en/city_xtra_articles_863/e014be3f2a20f148b3aad04e9a778ed4" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Simon Rolfes, managing director, and Kim Falkenberg, Leverkusen's director of football, led the negotiations to enable Eichhorn's release clause which is estimated to be worth €8 million to €9 million. With so many offers coming in, Leverkusen have proven their ability to nurture young talent which has seen them win their recruitment against big names such as Manchester City.
As for City's recruitment team led by Hugo Viana, this was a big blow, especially since Eichhorn's skill and maturity would have suited their style of play, suggesting that it resembles Sergio Busquets' game. For now, City will once again focus on English-based talents, particularly Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson for the upcoming transfer window.
Eichhorn is expected to sign for Leverkusen and provide new strength to their midfield, as the team continues to rise in domestic and European football.
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