New transfer strategy: Leverkusen target Eichhorn | OneFootball

Following the appointment of Ole Book as sporting director, Borussia Dortmund appear to be rethinking their transfer market strategy. At BVB, the focus is increasingly shifting to talents from the 2. Bundesliga such as Kennet Eichhorn.

Borussia Dortmund could be on the verge of a change in their transfer strategy. As kicker reports, since sporting director Ole Book took office, the club has been placing greater emphasis on the 2. Bundesliga in its planning. The idea behind it: players from Germany’s second tier are generally cheaper than established Bundesliga professionals or international signings, while already being adapted to German football and often offering particularly strong development potential.

Book’s past at SV Elversberg is another factor, as it means he is extremely well connected in the second division. So far, this approach is barely reflected in Dortmund’s squad. With backup goalkeeper Alexander Meyer, there is currently only one player in the squad who was active in the 2. Bundesliga before joining from SSV Jahn Regensburg. According to kicker, however, that could “change soon.”

One name in particular is being linked: Kennet Eichhorn of Hertha BSC. The 16-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of the biggest talents in the league and, according to the report, is a “very hot candidate” for BVB. His release clause is reportedly around €10 to €12 million — a comparatively moderate fee for a player with huge development potential.

Strong competition for BVB: Bayern also keen on Eichhorn

However, the competition is fierce. Alongside BVB, top clubs such as Bayern Munich, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and RB Leipzig, as well as international sides like Manchester City, are also said to have their eye on Eichhorn. In addition, according to kicker, there are internal concerns at the club: some decision-makers fear that signing the youngster could block the path for the club’s own talents. A final decision therefore apparently has not yet been made.

Photo: IMAGO

Regardless of that, BVB are facing a squad overhaul. With Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle and Salih Özcan, several players will leave the club in the summer, while two young new signings, Kaua Prates and Justin Lerma, have already been confirmed.

Whether Eichhorn will actually move to Dortmund remains open. One thing seems certain, however: the 2. Bundesliga is likely to play a much bigger role in BVB’s future transfer planning.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.