- Man City very interested in Eichhorn
- Four German teams also in the race
- No decision made so far
Manchester City are expecting to face competition from a host of other clubs to sign 16-year-old German youth international Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha BSC.
Eichhorn has quickly become one of the most in-demand young defensive midfielders in Europe, despite having made just 14 appearances in 2. Bundesliga.
The Hertha Berlin academy graduate made his senior debut for the club this season, and has already attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Man City have been linked with the teenager, who is seen as an exciting long-term prospect. Eichhorn is currently part of the German under-17 side, but is tipped to become a fully-fledged international in the not too distant future.
Manchester City interested in Kennet Eichhorn
Standing at 1.81m [6ft 1in], Eichhorn is physically imposing despite his young age. Known for his composure, intelligence and calmness under pressure, he has drawn comparisons with the German legend Toni Kroos.
Eichhorn already has an elite passing range and ability to control the tempo of games, something Pep Guardiola will be particularly interested in.
🚨⭐️ EXCL: Manchester City join the race with Bundesliga and Premier League clubs for German gem Kennet Eichhorn.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 8, 2026
16 year old talent seen as interesting profile with Man City, one more PL club and Bundesliga giants on it.
One to watch in next months. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/ouCPG2ZyVo
The teenager shows maturity beyond his years, and has been described as a ‘natural six’ with excellent technical ability.
Although most suited to a deep-lying playmaker role, he is solid defensively and not afraid to make a tackle, using his strength and athleticism to win possession.
City face competition from up to six other clubs
However, if City are to secure Eichhorn’s services, they will have to battle as many as six other clubs for his signature.
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are thought to be interested, along with fellow Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig.
🚨7️⃣ Four German teams are seriously in the race for Kennet #Eichhorn and still have a chance: FC Bayern, Dortmund, Leverkusen and Leipzig.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 14, 2026
Eintracht Frankfurt currently see themselves as having no chance.
Manchester City have also registered concrete interest, along with one… pic.twitter.com/jDeOyLvjcC
Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly keen, but no longer believe Eichhorn is a realistic target given the level of interest from elsewhere.
City, meanwhile, are not the only English club rumoured to be monitoring the teenager, with at least one other Premier League side also in the race.
Man City looking to the future with long-term signings
With several big names leaving the club in recent years, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson, Guardiola’s squad has already been undergoing a rebuild.
Bernardo Silva is also set to leave at the end of the season, while Rodri’s contract situation means his future remains uncertain.
However, despite a substantial turnover in playing staff, the Citizens have continued to future-proof their squad with exciting young signings, bringing in players like Rayan Cherki and Nico Gonzalez.
This focus on long-term squad planning has helped the club maintain depth and quality despite the talent that has left, and Eichhorn represents another high potential project.
