News Focus
- Borussia Dortmund may end their pursuit of 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC
- The total transfer package could reach €20 million including signing-on fees
- Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen remain in the race for the teenager
- Post-Brexit regulations prevent Eichhorn from playing in England until he turns 18
Top clubs from Germany and other countries have shown strong interest in 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn. His future has been the subject of rumours for several months.
German newspaper Sport Bild has revealed fresh information about the battle to sign the Hertha BSC starlet. Earlier reports suggested a release clause of €10-12 million. However, the new report states that Bundesliga sides must pay only €9 million to activate the clause.
The price drops even more for German teams that do not play in the Champions League.
Despite the lower release clause, the total cost could reach €20 million. The player and his agents want a signing-on fee of about €10 million.
Eichhorn’s current market value stands at roughly €20 million. His representatives believe the total package is fair and matches current market rates.
This high price has caused Borussia Dortmund to think about ending their pursuit. The Black and Yellows feel the signing-on fee is excessive.
However, other top sides are not put off by the cost. Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich continue to track the young midfielder and are willing to meet the financial demands.
English teams like Liverpool face a separate problem. New rules after Brexit mean Eichhorn cannot play in England until he turns 18. Therefore, if he joins a Premier League side, he would probably go on loan to a club outside England straight away.