Rising Star Kennet Eichhorn Makes History with Hertha Berlin

omidbasir- After an impressive pre-season, Kennet Eichhorn has rapidly advanced within Hertha Berlin. He signed his first professional contract just weeks before turning 16 and made his professional debut on the second matchday of the 2. Bundesliga, Germany’s second division, as a substitute against Karlsruhe. In doing so, he became the youngest player in league history at just 16 years and 14 days old. A month later, Eichhorn etched his name further into the record books by becoming the youngest player to start a game in the 2. Bundesliga, when he was included in the starting XI for the match against Hannover. Having been part of Hertha’s youth academy since his Under-9 days, he is also the youngest professional player in the club’s history.

Eichhorn’s undeniable talent has come into play as head coach Stefan Leitl turned to the teenage prodigy amid a wave of injuries that have plagued the midfield. Currently, Eichhorn is the only midfielder with a guaranteed spot in the starting XI, while the rest of the squad competes for their places. “We’re happy that everyone is available again. We’ll decide tomorrow after the final training session. Let’s just say: Who will play alongside Kennet Eichhorn in midfield?” Leitl stated last month. The Bernau bei Berlin-born midfielder has already started in eight of the ten games he has participated in this season.

His performances have attracted attention, even though he has spent just over three months with Hertha’s senior squad. Reports indicate interest from some of the Bundesliga’s most renowned clubs, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen. Recently, representatives from Bayern, Dortmund, and Leipzig, including sporting director Marcel Schafer and sporting coordinator Daniel Baier, attended one of Hertha’s matches, eager to secure his services as early as next summer, with Leipzig reportedly expressing the strongest interest.

“It’s an unprecedented market,” an insider revealed to Sky Sport, noting that Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, and Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, are all monitoring Eichhorn’s development.

According to Sky, Eichhorn’s contract, which extends until 2029, includes a release clause that could easily entice Europe’s top clubs. It is reported that this clause will take effect next summer, with the amount subject to various conditions. The upper limit is estimated to be around €10–12 million (£9-11m/$12-$14m), contingent upon Hertha’s potential promotion to the Bundesliga, the destination country, and the competitive level of the buying club.

For the moment, Eichhorn’s representatives remain calm about his future, prioritizing his continued regular playing time to foster his development. There are currently no negotiations underway with any club, though discussions are anticipated next summer.

Eichhorn’s style of play has drawn early comparisons to German and Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, whom he admires. At 1.86m, he plays a deeper midfield role characterized by an exceptional passing range and an ability to control the game’s tempo. His physical stature also positions him as a strong midfielder capable of breaking up plays.

Felix Kroos, brother of Toni and a former Bundesliga player, recently advised Eichhorn not to rush into decisions regarding his future. “The way Eichhorn plays is remarkable. He radiates calm, gains valuable experience, and is allowed to make mistakes. He has the talent, yet sometimes he may need to sit out. It’s essential to grant such a young player time, as it can be overwhelming mentally.

“That’s the beauty of football: there isn’t one correct path, nor a magic formula. Still, Eichhorn, at 16, is a unique case and should remain in his familiar environment. That’s what brought him to where he is now. A move to Bayern or Dortmund in the next two to four years might be premature. I hope he develops further at Hertha for a few more years. Ultimately, one cannot plan anything in football.

“If all goes well and Eichhorn stays for another two or three years, those €6 million could potentially rise to €60 million. That would be beneficial for Berlin. With the financial figures circulating today, six million seems too modest.”

Due to accumulating five yellow cards, Eichhorn will miss Hertha’s upcoming match against Eintracht Braunschweig on November 21 due to suspension. Currently, Die Alte Dame sits in eighth place with 20 points from 12 games.