Liverpool and Man City lead chase for Hertha wonderkid

Manchester City and Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn after Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund stepped away from negotiations. The 16-year-old is widely expected to leave the capital this summer, but Bayern and Dortmund pulled back amid concerns over the financial package surrounding the move.

Bayern’s pursuit faltered despite long-running interest from sporting director Max Eberl and continued contact with the player’s camp. Internal doubts surfaced earlier in the year, and the club ultimately chose to focus on its own academy rather than sanction a deal that included a double-digit million-euro handgeld which reportedly exceeded the transfer fee payable to Hertha.

With a release clause of up to €12 million set to expire in June, Premier League sides see an opening. City and Liverpool are said to be willing to meet a valuation closer to €20m, planning to sign Eichhorn this summer and immediately loan him out.

Germany, Berlin

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