Manchester United eye signing CDM Kennet Eichhorn next year; Toni Kroos says transfer shouldn't happen. Here's why

Hertha Berlin's sturdy defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn could well land at Manchester United, reports indicate, as many European giants have started circling for the teenager.

 

16-year-old German prodigy Kennet Eichhorn is reportedly wanted by Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, apart from Spanish rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Football news portals have also claimed that Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Brighton are all interested in getting him, apart from Manchester United.

 

 

 

Who is Kennet Eichhorn and why is he special for Germany?

 

For the unversed, Eichhorn became the youngest player in the history of Germany’s second tier when he took the field against Karlsruher SC just two weeks after his birthday. Despite his age, the 2009-born CDM has played 10 games for Hertha already — managing 650 minutes in all. The 6ft 1in wonderkid has a long way to go, as his season tally of five yellow cards indicates. However, his eye for a pass and defensive exploits make him a talent to watch out for.

 

Interestingly, Eichhorn's release clause is a ridiculously low £10.5 million (€12 million, $13.8 million), which could make the bidding war one to watch out for, TeamTalk said in a report. The Bundesliga teams may enjoy a slight edge due to their better access to the 2. Bundesliga side, the report added. Thus, Bayern and Leipzig were reportedly the clear frontrunners before Manchester United joined the race for the youngster contracted until 2029.

 

There are many people, including German legend Toni Kroos, who think Eichhorn should remain with his current side for at least a few more years before thinking about a major switch. None of the suitors who have come to lure him next year will be offering him even half the playing time he is currently getting at Hertha. "There is nothing more than regular time on the pitch that a player of his stature needs at his age, and it should be a reason more than enough for him to stay put," Toni Kroos had said.

 

If United manage to land him, the future could see Eichhorn partnering Cristian Orozco in the Old Trafford midfield. United are setting up a strong squad for the future and are particularly hellbent on solidifying their midfield. Manuel Ugarte has not performed up to the mark, and manager Rúben Amorim is not a fan of Kobbie Mainoo. The experienced Casemiro is serving the last year of his contract, with the Real Madrid legend unlikely to get a contract extension. Meanwhile, another report said that Rúben Amorim is open to extending Casemiro's stay at the club if the 33-year-old takes a pay cut.

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