The January transfer window may still be weeks away, but Barcelona are already deep in preparation for what could be another defining year in their long-term rebuild.
With the club continuing to focus on sustainable signings and La Masia graduates, there’s also a renewed emphasis on bringing in Europe’s most promising teenage talents.
Director Deco has made it clear that Barca’s recruitment model now blends homegrown development with strategic youth acquisitions, ensuring that the next generation of stars is already taking shape.
The Catalan side have been closely monitoring emerging prospects across Germany, France, and Scandinavia, and their scouts have been particularly active in the Bundesliga this season.
Following the successful integration of players like Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona are once again looking for the next breakout star to complement their youthful core.
With Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United also casting wide nets across Europe, competition for the continent’s brightest young players has never been fiercer.
Now, a new name has entered Barcelona’s radar, Kennet Eichhorn.
The 16-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder has become one of the most talked-about teenagers in German football after a string of mature performances in the 2. Bundesliga.
Kennet Eichhorn has started seven of Hertha’s 12 league fixtures this season, impressing coaches and scouts alike with his positional intelligence, composure on the ball, and tactical awareness.
Sky Sports Germany, via SPORT, reports that the youngster’s contract includes a release clause set between €10–12 million for next summer, a fee well within reach for Europe’s biggest clubs.
Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are currently leading the chase domestically, with Borussia Dortmund also monitoring his progress.
However, Barcelona and Real Madrid are now understood to be among the elite foreign clubs showing strong interest, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
English giants Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping close tabs, as reported by BILD via Sport.
Eichhorn, who operates primarily in a holding midfield role, has drawn praise for his intelligence in shielding the defence and his ability to dictate tempo under pressure.
Interestingly, he is playing alongside Michael Cuisance, a former Bayern Munich wonderkid, whose experiences could serve as a valuable lesson in navigating an early career filled with big expectations.
Although Bayern and Leipzig are pushing hardest, a stay at Hertha remains possible, with the Berlin side reportedly considering a contract renewal that would include a higher release clause.
Still, with Barcelona and Madrid lurking, it may only be a matter of time before Eichhorn finds himself on one of Europe’s grandest stages.
Eichhorn isn’t the only Bundesliga talent targeted by Barca, as Fisnik Asllani is also on their radar.
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