Liverpool open talks to sign Hertha Berlin teenager Kennet Eichhorn
Liverpool have opened negotiations to sign 16-year-old Hertha Berlin prospect Kennet Eichhorn as new manager Andoni Iraola begins his comprehensive squad rebuild.
The Premier League club have held extensive discussions over the past 48 hours to secure the signature of the highly-rated German youth international.
A move to England is emerging as a strong possibility for the teenager after his current employers failed to secure promotion back to the Bundesliga this season.
The Merseyside outfit face stiff competition for the emerging prospect, with Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund also closely monitoring his domestic situation.
Anfield rebuild gathers pace
Newly appointed boss Iraola, who signed a two-year deal to replace Arne Slot on Thursday, is wasting no time reshaping a squad that finished fifth in the top flight.
Club executives are acutely aware that significant reinforcements are required following the high-profile free transfer departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
Alongside their pursuit of the German talent, Anfield officials are also in contact with RB Leipzig over a potential £112m deal for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande.
Rapid senior breakthrough
The sought-after prodigy does not celebrate his 17th birthday until next month but has already amassed 19 senior appearances in the German second tier.
His impressive breakthrough campaign could have yielded even more minutes had it not been interrupted by a late-season ankle injury and a subsequent red-card suspension.
Hertha captain Fabian Reese has been effusive in his praise for his young team-mate’s remarkable maturity and technical composure on the ball.
“He is an incredible, exceptional talent.”
Elite European institutions including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also deployed scouts to evaluate the tall, technically assured player, leaving his long-term future firmly undecided.