Leipzig & Co. outcompeted
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Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC is probably the most sought-after German footballer of the past season – and it is now clear where he will play in the future. Bayer 04 Leverkusen has pulled the 16-year-old defensive midfielder’s release clause and signed him until 2031. The Werkself announced this. The double winner from 2024 prevailed against several top-class competitors – including RB Leipzig, FC Liverpool and Manchester City. Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich also showed interest, but reportedly did not want to finance the overall financial package.
According to consistent media reports, the transfer fee for Eichhorn is around 9 million euros. This is slightly less than the originally speculated amount of the clause of between 10 million and 12 million euros. This reportedly varied from club to club; a Champions League participant would have had to pay the maximum amount. Bayer 04 will compete in the Europa League in 2026/27. Hertha BSC has only received more for a player eight times and only once was he under 20 years old: Ibrahim Maza (20), who also moved to Leverkusen a year ago for 12 million euros. Eichhorn is Bayer’s most expensive U18 signing ever. However, the Berliner is in the lower part of the top 25 worldwide.
But it shouldn’t stop at the transfer fee: “Sport Bild” recently reported that the youngest player and goalscorer in the history of the second division is demanding a hand money that compensates for the difference between the transfer fee and the market value. This has been 20 million euros since December 2025 and is the highest in the history of a player used in the German lower house of football.
Eichhorn on Bayer 04: That’s what those responsible say
“We are very happy that we were able to convince Kennet Eichhorn of our concept. We had close contact with Kennet and his family a year ago, and a good connection developed between us back then,” said Bayer Sport Managing Director Simon Rolfes on Wednesday evening. “That was always noticeable in this year’s discussions. Kennet shares our view that at Bayer 04 we have the best conditions for developing into an absolute top player in the Bundesliga.” Rolfes confirmed that new coach Carles Martínez also played a role in Eichhorn’s decision. The exchange with the Spaniard “was of great agreement on football topics” “and characterized by mutual trust. With Kennet we now have one of the best German talents in our ranks.”
On the Hertha side, sports director Benjamin Weber said: “Kenny was already training with the professionals at the age of 15, is highly talented and represents the great work that is being done in our academy. We were able to convince Kenny last year to continue his development with us by showing him a clear perspective in the professional field. We were all able to follow his rapid and great development last year and this has led to him now deciding to take the next step, move to the Bundesliga and up to play on an international stage.” Hertha would of course have liked to keep such a great talent. “Nevertheless, it makes us very proud that we were able to accompany him in his development this far. We wish him only the best and much success for his future journey.”
This is how Eichhorn assesses his move from Hertha BSC to Bayer Leverkusen
“After really good discussions, I decided on what I thought was the best solution: Leverkusen is a club that has quickly developed many, even very young, players into top professionals,” said Eichhorn, who will wear the number 18 shirt in Leverkusen. “I will do everything I can to follow a similar path here. I am extremely happy to be taking my next steps at such an exciting, international club like Bayer 04.”
In the Berliner’s press release, the homegrown player said: “I followed a path at Hertha that shaped me. And that since the U9. I have felt trust, support and support here every year, in every team. I am eternally grateful for that.” He was able to grow, mature and make his dream of becoming a professional come true in Berlin. “I won’t forget the moments we shared, the results and the challenges. Saying goodbye is anything but easy for me. I want to thank all the coaches, staff, teammates and the people around me here who accompanied me on my path, supported me and believed in me. Now a new chapter begins for me, but Hertha will always remain a very special part of my life and will have a place in my head, but also in my heart: from my first professional appearance against Karlsruhe to the goal on matchday 33 against Fürth – these are moments that are etched in my mind. I take with me values, experiences and friendships for life. Thank you for everything and from my heart only the best for the future.”