Bayern Munich move ahead of Barcelona in race for 16-year-old German wonderkid | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are always alert to young and upcoming talents across the globe, with a view to signing them at an early age and developing them at La Masia.

The strategy has led to the signings of several youth prospects, with the likes of Juwensley Onstein, Ajay Tavares, and Hamza Abdelkarim, among others, arriving as recently as the January transfer window.

Keeping in line with the plan, Barcelona have set their sights on 16-year-old Hertha BSC midfielder Kennet Eichhorn.

Bayern Munich take lead in Eichhorn race

However, according to BILD (h/t SPORT), Bayern Munich have taken a decisive step forward in recent days by formally expressing their interest in the player.

The Bavarian giants have contacted the youngster’s agency, 11Wins, which also represents Jamal Musiala, to communicate a “concrete and formal interest” in the teenager.

This strategic move places Bayern in pole position in the race for the midfielder, overtaking both Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose scouting departments had been monitoring Eichhorn’s progress for months.

Recent developments suggest Eichhorn’s departure could happen sooner rather than later. The youngster has already begun taking decisive steps regarding his future, focusing on making the jump to professional elite football from the second division club.

Kennet Eichhorn is a special talent. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)

A key factor behind his desire to leave is the sporting situation at Hertha BSC. The club’s current struggles in the second division have left it unlikely to secure promotion this season, creating a sense of stagnation.

Faced with that scenario, Eichhorn appears convinced that his development would be better served in a club competing at the highest level of European football.

No shortage of suitors

Another factor fueling the interest of major clubs in Eichhorn is his relatively modest release clause. The teenage midfielder has a buyout clause between €10-12 million, making him a highly attractive opportunity in the transfer market.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid see Eichhorn as a typical example of the type of talent they aim to recruit early, before his market value rises significantly.

Several other clubs have also been linked with the player, including RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite the broad interest, Bayern Munich appear determined to secure the deal quickly. They have accelerated negotiations and are presenting the Allianz Arena as the ideal environment for Eichhorn’s development.