Key facts
- Bayer Leverkusen signed 16-year-old midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin.
- The transfer fee was reportedly just under 10 million euros ($11.5 million).
- Eichhorn made 17 appearances and scored two goals in the second division last season.
- He became Hertha's youngest professional player when he debuted in August.
- Eichhorn signed a long-term contract with Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen has secured the signing of promising 16-year-old midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin, a move reportedly involving a transfer fee of just under 10 million euros ($11.5 million). Eichhorn, who has represented Germany at youth international level, also stands to receive a significant signing bonus.
Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, noting that the club had maintained contact with Eichhorn and his family for a year. The club's prospects of signing the talent were reportedly enhanced by the recent appointment of Carles Martínez as coach.
Eichhorn made a notable impact in Germany's second division last season, appearing in 17 matches and scoring two goals, despite an ankle injury and a two-game suspension. He set a club record by becoming Hertha's youngest professional player upon his debut in August. Eichhorn joined Hertha's youth academy in 2017.
In a statement released by Hertha, Eichhorn conveyed his gratitude for the club's formative role in his development. He will sign a long-term contract with Leverkusen and wear the number 18 jersey. Eichhorn cited Leverkusen's track record of developing young players into top professionals as a key factor in his decision.
This signing follows Leverkusen's acquisition of another highly-rated talent, Ibrahim Maza, from Hertha Berlin the previous year. Maza, now 20, had a successful debut season in the Bundesliga, scoring three goals in 28 appearances and representing Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.