Liverpool accelerate pursuit of Hertha Berlin prodigy Kennet Eichhorn

Liverpool are in advanced negotiations to sign 19-year-old German midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin, with a £10m deal close to being agreed, according to Florian Plettenberg. The 6ft 1in playmaker has attracted attention from several top European clubs, but the Reds have moved fastest.

Background and scouting report

Eichhorn broke into Hertha's first team this season, making 14 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. He has scored three goals and provided two assists, showcasing his vision and dribbling ability. Standing at 6ft 1in, he combines technical skill with physical presence, often operating as an advanced midfielder or on the left flank.

His performances have drawn comparisons to Jude Bellingham for his ability to drive forward with the ball and contribute defensively. Liverpool's scouting team, led by Dave Fallows, has tracked him for over six months, with multiple trips to Berlin to assess his progress.

Tactical fit at Liverpool

Eichhorn slots into Arne Slot’s system as a dynamic No. 8 or left-sided attacker. Slot values midfielders who can press aggressively, carry the ball, and create chances in tight spaces. In the 2024-25 season, Liverpool have 55% possession on average and rank third in high turnovers, making Eichhorn’s energetic style a natural fit.

His arrival would provide competition for Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai, who have combined for eight goals and 10 assists this term. However, depth is needed with Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott facing occasional injury concerns.

Transfer market context and Fantasy Premier League impact

The £10m fee is modest by Premier League standards, reflecting his unproven status abroad. For context, Liverpool paid £35m for Szoboszlai in 2023 and £45m for Mac Allister. This deal mirrors the club's strategy of acquiring German youth talent undervalued by the market, as seen with Tyler Morton’s loan moves.

In FPL, Eichhorn is priced at £5.5m in the game. He is owned by just 0.3% of managers, making him a differential punt. Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures are favourable: they face Leicester, Wolves, and Southampton in the next four gameweeks. However, we caution that immediate gametime is unlikely; he projects to be a squad rotation option initially.

What happens next

The deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days pending a medical and personal terms. Eichhorn has already indicated his desire to move to Anfield, and Hertha are open to selling as they look to balance finances. If completed, he will likely join Liverpool in the summer, with an option to stay at Hertha on loan for the remainder of the season.

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