Liverpool’s main transfer target can’t join the club this summer
Liverpool’s chase for Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn might hit some hurdles because of rules and paperwork. The Reds are said to be competing with Premier League rivals Manchester City for the 16-year-old, who’s shown promise in his appearances for Hertha in the 2. Bundesliga this season.
German champions Bayern Munich are also interested, and Eichhorn is reportedly open to their offers. Big clubs like Bayern have an edge in signing young German players, thanks to a well-known path within Germany.
According to BBC Sport’s Dale Johnson, Liverpool faces extra challenges due to the UK leaving the European Union. He explained on X (formerly Twitter) that Liverpool can’t sign Eichhorn this summer because he’s only 16. While clubs in other big European leagues can sign him now, English clubs must wait until the player is 18 after Brexit. Plus, they can’t sign him now and just loan him out until he turns 18.
There is a way some clubs use with South American players, by agreeing a deal early and then waiting until the player turns 18 to bring them over, but this is rare in Europe because of high competition. Unless Eichhorn can get a UK passport, he won’t be able to join an English club until July 2027.
While a pre-agreement could be possible, English teams are at a disadvantage because they can’t lock down young talent as easily or cheaply. Johnson also pointed out that because of Brexit, English clubs can’t sign young European players at a bargain price or take advantage of low release clauses as they used to.
In Eichhorn’s case, his release clause is reportedly between €10m and €12m. He’s been linked with a big move since his first-team debut with Hertha, and he’s played 16 league games this season. Hertha finished seventh, and the teenage midfielder’s reputation has really grown.
It’s no secret Bayern are watching him closely, and Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen to sign him.