Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City and Liverpool to Kennet Eichhorn signing

Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City and Liverpool to Kennet Eichhorn signing Hertha Berlin talented midfielder Kennet Eichhorn is considered one of the best teenagers in Europe. Eichhorn has been linked with several clubs, including Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Manchester City and Liverpool. Liverpool had reportedly offered to sign the 16-year-old before loaning him to Leverkusen in an attempt to secure his signature. Journalist Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that the Germany youth international has chosen to join Leverkusen. The Bundesliga outfit will activate his release clause, which is reportedly between €8 million and €9m. Eichhorn is expected to sign a five-year contract with them. According to a separate report from the Athletic , Leverkusen’s pursuit of the promising midfielder was led by managing director Simon Rolfes and director of football Kim Falkenberg. It is understood that Rolfes and Falkenberg worked behind the scenes to secure his signing ahead of other suitors. Eichhorn’s signing would represent a significant coup for the Black and Reds, given the stiff competition they faced. The move is expected to give Eichhorn a clearer pathway to first-team football. However, he is unlikely to break into the starting line-up immediately, as manager Carles Martinez has more experienced midfielders at his disposal. Martinez was recently appointed as Leverkusen’s new boss. He will oversee the development of Eichhorn and other youngsters at the club. Leverkusen endured a difficult campaign last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, which led to the dismissal of former manager Kasper Hjulmand. They are expected to make further signings after Eichhorn’s arrival as the club aim to improve on last season’s performance. Retaining crucial players such as Ibrahim Maza, who is on Man City’s radar, could also be pivotal.