Report: Man United face battle with European giants after scouting German Wonderkid | OneFootball

Man Utd step up interest in German talent Eichhorn

Rising German prospect draws major attention

It speaks volumes for the maturity of Kennet Eichhorn that, at just 16, his emergence has become one of the most discussed stories in German football. The midfielder, a regular starter in the 2. Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin, is attracting rising interest from Premier League and European clubs, with Man Utd now firmly in the conversation.

His pathway has been steady and assured. Joining Hertha’s academy at Under 9 level, he has progressed from youth standout to first team mainstay, collecting the captaincy of Germany’s U17s along the way. He already has nine league appearances this season, seven of them starts, and added 71 minutes in a DFB Pokal win over Elversberg. Those figures would be notable for any young player, let alone someone born in 2009.

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Interest builds across Europe

Reports in Germany suggest Man Utd have monitored his progress closely as they consider long term midfield recruitment. Sky Germany noted that the club are competing with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain for the teenager. Several Bundesliga sides are also thought to be exploring the opportunity, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen.

His contract runs until 2029 and includes a release clause believed to be in the region of €10million to €12million, roughly £8.8million to £10.5million. Bild have claimed that Hertha hope to achieve a figure closer to €20million, about £17million, if a sale materialises.

Scouting presence grows in Berlin

It is understood that Man Utd have already sent scouts to the German capital to watch Eichhorn in action, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City also represented. His opportunity in the senior side initially came due to injuries, but Hertha manager Stefan Leitl has underlined his importance. Before facing Düsseldorf in October, he remarked: “We’re happy that everyone is available again. We’ll decide tomorrow after the final training session. Let’s put it this way: who will play alongside Kennet Eichhorn in midfield?”

Early taste of British opposition

Eichhorn has already encountered British football at youth level. He featured for Hertha’s U21s in the Premier League International Cup in 2024, playing 45 minutes in a 5-3 defeat to Fulham as his side finished third in their group.