Kennet Eichhorn's €12m release clause sparks City and Bayern bidding war
Europe's elite circle for 16-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder dubbed 'the next Toni Kroos' as bargain release clause becomes active
Manchester City and Bayern Munich are preparing to trigger a €10-12m release clause for Hertha Berlin's 16-year-old sensation Kennet Eichhorn this summer. The defensive midfielder, already valued at €20m by Transfermarkt, represents one of the most extraordinary bargains in modern football.
The teenager has shattered records across German football this season, becoming the youngest player, youngest starter and youngest DFB Pokal goalscorer in 2. Bundesliga history.
The €12m steal that could define the next decade
In a transfer market where Championship players routinely cost €15-20m and Premier League squad players fetch €30m+, Eichhorn's release clause represents daylight robbery.
The midfielder has already made 16 appearances for Hertha Berlin this season, displaying the composure and intelligence that earned him comparisons to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos.
What €12m buys you in today's market
- Half of what Bournemouth paid for Philip Billing (€24m)
- Less than Brighton spent on Julio Enciso (€13m)
- A third of what Chelsea paid for Carney Chukwuemeka (€37m)
- The same as Wolves paid for Tommy Doyle from Manchester City
Felix Kroos, brother of Toni and current Union Berlin player, has already endorsed the comparison.
The way he plays is remarkable. He radiates calm, he's gaining valuable experience but is allowed to make mistakes. I hope he continues to develop at Hertha.
The rarity of teenage professionals
Only two 16-year-olds in world football currently hold a €20m valuation: Eichhorn and Arsenal's Max Dowman. The German's regular first-team football at such a young age places him in elite company.
Since August, he's started matches in front of 50,000 supporters at the Olympiastadion, handling the pressure with remarkable maturity despite being younger than most academy players.
Why Pep Guardiola and Vincent Kompany are obsessed
Manchester City's interest intensified after Hugo Viana replaced Txiki Begiristain as sporting director. The Portuguese executive has immediately targeted Europe's most technical young talents, with Eichhorn top of his list.
Guardiola sees the teenager as a potential long-term successor to Rodri, offering the same positional intelligence and press resistance that defines City's system.
Bayern's Bundesliga advantage
Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich hold several trump cards in this race. The Bavarians can offer:
- Immediate pathway to Bundesliga football
- Champions League qualification already secured
- Proven track record with German wonderkids (Musiala, Wirtz pursuit)
- No adaptation required to new country or language
The Belgian coach has specifically requested a deep-lying playmaker to complement Joshua Kimmich's more advanced role, making Eichhorn a perfect tactical fit.
The Kroos connection
The comparison to Toni Kroos isn't merely stylistic. Both players share the same youth development pathway through German academies, the same positional understanding, and crucially, the same ability to control tempo from deep positions.
Kroos himself left Bayern for Real Madrid for just €25m in 2014. A decade later, Eichhorn could move for half that fee despite football's inflated market.
The release clause loophole changing football's talent wars
German football's mandatory release clause culture has created a loophole that Europe's super clubs are ruthlessly exploiting. Unlike Spain where clauses often reach astronomical figures, German contracts typically feature realistic buyout options.
How the clause works
Eichhorn's clause contains specific triggers that affect the final fee:
- Base clause: €10m if Hertha remain in 2. Bundesliga
- Promotion bonus: Additional €2m if Hertha secure Bundesliga promotion
- Champions League premium: Buying club must be in Champions League
- Activation window: Only valid from 1 June to 31 July 2026
This structure means City or Bayern could secure one of world football's brightest prospects for less than they'd pay for a backup goalkeeper.
The agent masterclass
Eichhorn's representatives negotiated the clause when he signed his first professional contract at 16. By keeping the figure low, they've guaranteed their client a move to an elite club while he's still a teenager.
Similar clauses have already reshaped German football. Erling Haaland's €60m Dortmund exit clause looked expensive until he moved to City and immediately justified triple that valuation.
What happens next
The battle for Eichhorn will intensify once Hertha's season concludes in May. Both City and Bayern are expected to trigger the clause immediately when the transfer window opens, leaving the player to choose his destination.
For Hertha Berlin, losing their generational talent for €12m represents a crushing blow to their promotion hopes. For whoever signs him, it could represent the transfer coup of the decade.
The smart money suggests City's financial power and Guardiola's pull will prove decisive, but Bayern's Bundesliga dominance and pathway to immediate first-team football keeps them firmly in contention. This developing story continues to capture attention in the rumour mill as both clubs prepare their moves.
SportSignals is an independent publication. Views expressed are our own.
Sources
This article is based on reporting from the publications above. Specific facts and quotes are credited inline where used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kennet Eichhorn's release clause at Hertha Berlin?
Kennet Eichhorn has a €10-12m release clause in his Hertha Berlin contract. Both Manchester City and Bayern Munich are preparing to trigger this clause this summer.
Why is Kennet Eichhorn compared to Toni Kroos?
The 16-year-old midfielder displays similar composure, intelligence and playing style to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos. Felix Kroos, Toni's brother, has endorsed this comparison publicly.
How many appearances has Eichhorn made for Hertha Berlin?
Kennet Eichhorn has made 16 appearances for Hertha Berlin this season. He has broken multiple records as the youngest player, starter and DFB Pokal goalscorer in 2. Bundesliga history.
Which clubs are interested in signing Kennet Eichhorn?
Manchester City and Bayern Munich are the main clubs pursuing Eichhorn. City's new sporting director Hugo Viana has made him a priority target, while Bayern's Vincent Kompany sees him as ideal for their system.
