Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City in race to sign German wonderkid

Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City in race to sign German wonderkid Bayer Leverkusen have pulled off a major coup in the European transfer market, intercepting a prized defensive midfield profile heavily coveted by the elite of the continent. 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn is set to leave the German capital after a breakout year which attracted attention from the likes of Manchester City. Driven directly by key administrative chiefs at the BayArena, the German heavyweights have triggered a release clause to complete the deal. Despite strong interest from Manchester City among many other European clubs, Bayer Leverkusen appear to have won the race for one of Germany’s very best talents. Media coverage over the last few months highlighted Manchester City ’s persistent scouting where club representatives watched the defensive midfielder log 17 league appearances during a breakout campaign in the 2. Bundesliga. Eichhorn exploded onto the club’s radar in August 2025 by becoming the youngest debutant in 2. Bundesliga history at just 16 years and 14 days old, before later surpassing Jude Bellingham’s record as the youngest goalscorer in DFB-Pokal history. Despite Etihad Stadium scouts holding extensive talks with the player’s camp over a development path in East Manchester, the allure of immediate first-team continuity in his homeland has ultimately turned the starlet’s head toward the BayArena. Bayer Leverkusen emerge as Eichhorn winners Now, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein , Bayer Leverkusen have overcome fierce competition to sign Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn , who was pursued by top clubs in Germany and England. Manchester City move to beat Man United to signing of German defensive midfielder It is detailed that Leverkusen’s pursuit was led by managing director Simon Rolfes and director of football Kim Falkenberg , who will now activate a release clause in the teenager’s contract, allowing the Germany youth international to put pen to paper as work remains ongoing on the outstanding details of the agreement. Additional reporting from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reveals that the release clause is worth between €8 million and €9 million. What missing out on Eichhorn means for Manchester City Missing out on Eichhorn represents a rare blow for Hugo Viana’s recruitment team , particularly given how the teenager’s composure, spatial intelligence, and comparison to the likes of Sergio Busquets would align with the club’s playing style. Leverkusen’s sporting department, led expertly by Simon Rolfes, utilised their proof of youth progression to secure a significant coup for a highly economical fee given the player’s reputation in the youth market. For now, Manchester City will step up their interest in primary English-based and first-team profiles, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson being the number one target for the summer transfer window.