Two clubs remain in the race, and Eichhorn's decision appears to be imminent

Kennet Eichhorn

A decision is imminent in the race to sign Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC, with two Bundesliga clubs locked in a close contest.

According to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are now the front-runners in the race for the young star, after several domestic and international clubs expressed interest over recent weeks and months. 

Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich have reportedly withdrawn from the race because of the player's sky-high demands. Liverpool FC, according to Kicker, has only a slim chance of landing the deal, despite other rumours. Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, holds a slender advantage.

The resolution of the coaching situation on Friday appears to have removed any lingering doubts for Eichhorn. The 16-year-old had reportedly been waiting to see who would succeed Kasper Hjulmand at the Werkself, and that patience is now seen as a clear sign of an imminent move. It is also assumed that he has already spoken with the new B04 coach, Carles Martinez.

Martínez enjoys a strong reputation for developing young talent and is said to mirror the approach of Bayer's former successful coach, Xabi Alonso. His possession-based style would suit Eichhorn's game, given his strengths in defensive midfield.

Meanwhile, Leipzig's appeal rests on a strong track record of developing young talent. A move to the Saxons has already proved the right choice for talents such as Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, Dominik Szoboszlai and, most recently, Yan Diomande. Yet Leverkusen can also point to a strong development track record. Ibrahim Mazza, who joined from Berlin last summer, is already setting a pace that Eichhorn may wish to follow. The pair are reported to be in close contact.

Eichhorn

The Eichhorn camp is reportedly holding out for a sizeable signing-on fee.

In Liverpool, however, Eichhorn is unlikely to play at first because of his age, so the Reds would likely send him on loan to another club until he turns 18.

A release clause stipulates a transfer fee of around €10 million, and reports suggest the teenager and his entourage will receive a substantial signing-on bonus.

Last term, the U17 captain missed almost three months with a serious syndesmosis injury, then a red-card ban; otherwise, he was a fixture in the capital club's starting XI under coach Stefan Leitl, offering a bright spark even as the side once again failed to secure promotion.

Kennet Eichhorn: Performance data and statistics for Hertha BSC