In the ever-churning world of soccer transfers, a 16-year-old German prodigy is turning heads across Europe, with Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly at the forefront of the chase for his signature. Kennet Eichhorn, the Hertha Berlin teenager already being hailed as the 'next Toni Kroos,' has emerged as a hot prospect, drawing interest from top clubs amid a flurry of other transfer rumors involving stars like Real Madrid's Endrick and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo.
Eichhorn, who turned 16 in July, has made a rapid ascent in professional football, debuting for Hertha Berlin in the 2.Bundesliga just three months ago. According to a report from The Sun cited by ESPN, Manchester United and Arsenal are leading the race to sign the Germany U17 international, who has also caught the eye of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The youngster has appeared in eight matches for Hertha this season, starting six of them, and is valued at around €20 million for a move within Germany, though that figure could increase for an international transfer.
ESPN's scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen has provided in-depth analysis on Eichhorn's potential, noting his composure and maturity on the pitch.
Barely three months after making his professional debut, Eichhorn has already suggested that Germany could have the next world-class midfielder on their hands,Karlsen wrote. He highlighted Eichhorn's ability to dictate games from a double pivot role, praising his 'sublime first touch' and 'clarity in decision-making,' traits that echo those of Toni Kroos, the retired German star who won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Karlsen further elaborated on Eichhorn's stats, pointing out that he averages close to four progressive passes per 90 minutes and 2.5 interceptions, showcasing his willingness to advance play and read danger early.
He operates as if he has all the time in the world by scanning, receiving and distributing the ball with the same natural rhythm that made him stand out in Hertha's youth ranks,Karlsen added. While acknowledging that Eichhorn's physical development is ongoing, given his young age, Karlsen described him as 'elegant, technically gifted, dynamic, intelligent,' suggesting he could fit seamlessly into clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or even in the Premier League.
Shifting to other transfer developments, Real Madrid's 19-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick is reportedly prioritizing a loan move to Lyon in Ligue 1, despite interest from several Premier League teams. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a straight loan to Lyon is the most likely option for Endrick, who has made just one appearance in LaLiga this season. Romano revealed that joining the UEFA Europa League competitors is Endrick's 'absolute priority,' tempted by the opportunity for regular playing time in France.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa has secured a new deal with forward Morgan Rogers, as reported by The Athletic. The 23-year-old England international, who joined from Middlesbrough last year, has agreed to a 'significantly improved' contract that will keep him at Villa Park until 2031. Rogers has impressed with 19 goal involvements in the Premier League last season, solidifying his role in Unai Emery's squad.
In Italy, Napoli has reignited their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Serie A champions are targeting a January deal, possibly a short-term loan, for the 20-year-old, who remains their top priority after a failed summer attempt. This interest has been accelerated by injuries to players like Kevin De Bruyne—though De Bruyne is at Manchester City, not Napoli—and the anticipated absence of Frank Anguissa for the African Nations Cup. Gazzetta also mentioned Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini as a potential alternative for Napoli.
Juventus is keeping tabs on Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, amid reports of the midfielder's homesickness, as per Corriere dello Sport. The 25-year-old Italian, under contract until 2029 without a release clause according to Sky Sports, has stated he is happy at St. James' Park but will assess his future annually.
With the player seemingly unsettled and 'homesick,' a return to Italy is becoming increasingly likely,the report noted, positioning Juventus as a potential suitor.
Elsewhere, Liverpool has initiated contract talks with midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai following his strong start to the season, and they are also aiming to extend Ryan Gravenberch's deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. In contrast, Football Insider reports that Alexis Mac Allister is content at Liverpool and not pushing for a move to Real Madrid, despite earlier speculation.
AC Milan is eyeing Vasco da Gama's young talent Rayan, who became the Brazilian club's youngest-ever goalscorer this year, as per journalist Nicolo Schira. On the veteran front, Fabrizio Romano indicates a 'high chance' that Barcelona's 37-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski could leave at season's end, though no January exit is planned.
Inter Miami is planning talks with Philadelphia Union's left back Kai Wagner as a long-term replacement for Jordi Alba, according to Sky Germany. In Germany, Hamburger SV's forward Robert Glatzel is 'one to watch' for a possible winter transfer, also per Sky Germany. Al Hilal's Rúben Neves is 'one step away' from a contract extension, as reported by Nicolo Schira, while Atlético Madrid has bid €18 million for Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon, according to Ekrem Konur.
Adding to the managerial carousel, Gary O'Neil is favored for the Southampton job after declining an approach from Wolves, his former club, as per The Telegraph. On the injury front, ESPN noted that Christian Pulisic is fit to return for AC Milan, while Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim commented that Benjamin Sesko has 'struggled' since his big-money move. Inter Miami's coach called Luis Suárez's playoff ban 'very strange.'
These rumors underscore the dynamic nature of the transfer market, particularly as the January window approaches, with clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal looking to invest in youth like Eichhorn to build for the future. The interest in Eichhorn, in particular, highlights a growing trend of scouting teenage talents from lower leagues, reminiscent of past successes like Jude Bellingham's rise from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
As clubs navigate financial regulations and squad needs, moves like Endrick's potential loan could provide young players with crucial experience, while extensions for stars like Rogers ensure stability. Looking ahead, the coming weeks may see more concrete developments, especially with international tournaments and injuries influencing priorities.
The broader implications for teams involved could reshape their seasons; for instance, if Napoli secures Mainoo, it might bolster their midfield amid absences, while a Tonali return to Italy could reignite his career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these stories unfold, potentially altering the landscape of European football.