Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester City and Liverpool to the signing of Kennet Eichhorn | OneFootball

Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn has been linked with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Manchester City and Liverpool in recent weeks.

Liverpool had reportedly offered to sign the 16-year-old before loaning him to Leverkusen in an attempt to sign him.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that the German youth international has chosen to join Leverkusen.

The Bundesliga outfit will activate his €9 million release clause. Eichhorn is expected to sign a five-year contract.

According to The Athletic, Leverkusen’s pursuit of the promising midfielder was led by managing director Simon Rolfes and director of football Kim Falkenberg.

Eichhorn’s signing would represent a significant coup for Leverkusen, given the stiff competition they faced.

The move will give Eichhorn a clearer pathway to first-team football. He is unlikely to break into the starting line-up immediately, as they have more experienced midfielders at their disposal.

Carles Martinez was recently appointed as Leverkusen’s new manager. He will oversee the development of Eichhorn and other youngsters at the club.

Leverkusen endured a difficult campaign last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, which led to Kasper Hjulmand’s dismissal.

They are expected to make further signings after Eichhorn’s arrival as the club aims to improve on last season’s performances.