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Kennet Eichhorn’s transfer saga has taken a new turn as Borussia Dortmund (BVB) have officially pulled out of the negotiations, reportedly due to what they considered an unreasonable signing-on fee demand. Despite this setback, FC Bayern Munich continue to show strong interest in the talented young midfielder.

According to reports, Eichhorn was willing to accept a lower overall package, but BVB decided to end discussions regardless. Club insiders described the player’s signing-on fee request as excessive and out of line with their valuation.

As per Sport Bild, the 16-year-old’s release clause—valid until 2029—stands at €9 million, reduced from the previously mentioned €12 million. Interestingly, clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League can activate the clause for an even smaller amount.

Despite the seemingly affordable clause, BVB have opted out of the race to sign Eichhorn. Reports estimate the total cost of the deal at around €20 million, with player representatives allegedly demanding a signing-on fee exceeding €10 million, citing the teenager’s growing market value of €20 million.

Bild further noted that this led to an internal decision at BVB to discontinue their pursuit. The publication quoted a club source as saying, “The view at the club’s headquarters is clear: if Eichhorn prioritises footballing growth, he belongs at BVB. If money comes first, Borussia is not the right place for him.”

Instead, BVB have shifted their focus to RSC Anderlecht’s Nathan De Cat. The Belgian midfielder, who shares a similar playing profile to Eichhorn, is a year older and already boasts more first-team experience, contributing to eight goals in 45 senior appearances in Belgium.

Meanwhile, FC Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Liverpool FC are still in contention for Eichhorn’s signature. None of these clubs appear deterred by the hefty signing-on fee demands from the player’s camp.

Liverpool, under the prospective leadership of Andoni Iraola—one of Europe’s most promising young coaches—are reportedly exploring options to loan Eichhorn out until he turns 18, as existing regulations prevent him from working in a non-EU country before then.

Just weeks earlier, Sport Bild had reported that Eichhorn was unwilling to consider any temporary arrangements. He was adamant that any summer move should be to a regular Champions League club offering immediate first-team opportunities, ruling out a short-term return to Berlin or a stint at a mid-table side.

In a potential twist, insiders speculate that Ibrahim Maza could influence the outcome of this transfer race. Last season, despite missing nearly three months due to a serious syndesmotic ligament injury and later serving a suspension for a red card, Eichhorn shone under coach Stefan Leitl at Hertha BSC, providing stability in midfield even as the club missed out on promotion.

Earlier in the transfer window, Bayer Leverkusen were viewed as the frontrunners for Eichhorn’s signature. One key factor is Maza, who left Hertha for Leverkusen last summer and has since developed impressively. The two players are known to maintain a close friendship, and Eichhorn reportedly admires Leverkusen’s possession-oriented style under Xabi Alonso.

However, Bayern Munich’s stature as a European powerhouse could prove decisive. Under manager Vincent Kompany, the Bavarian giants have cultivated a reputation for effectively integrating young talent, dispelling the notion that prospects struggle to progress at the club. Their dynamic and fluid playing style under Kompany has also been widely praised.

Recent updates suggest that Eichhorn remains firmly on Bayern’s shortlist for the upcoming season. The club is said to “definitely” want him, viewing the young German as a long-term investment for the future.

Kennet Eichhorn: Performance Statistics for Hertha BSC