Bild reports new sporting director Ole Book held a personal meeting with the player that shifted the teenager's preference in Borussia Dortmund's favour.
Eichhorn can leave Hertha via a release clause of between €10million and €12million — a figure that is only valid if Hertha fail to win promotion from the 2. Bundesliga, which appears likely. Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all competing for his signature, though Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg believes the final decision will be between the four German clubs.
The 16-year-old set a 2. Bundesliga record in April when he became the division's youngest ever scorer at 16 years, 9 months and 13 days, slotting home in a 2-1 win over Greuther Fürth — 52 days younger than the previous record holder from 1985. He has made 18 appearances in total this season but has been sidelined since January with an ankle injury.
Bayern are exploring a swap deal that would send loan player Maurice Krattenmacher to Hertha as part of any package. Dortmund's approach, led by Book directly meeting the player, appears to have been more persuasive. Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are both seen as offering more realistic pathways to early first-team football than either German giant.
Hertha sporting director Benjamin Weber acknowledged the battle they face while confirming the club's intention to fight.
"There is still no decision. We are in contact with Kenny's parents. We will do everything in our power to convince him to stay here for another year."
The club's preferred scenario is to sell Eichhorn via the release clause and immediately bring him back on loan for the 2026/27 season — a structure that would secure funds now while retaining his development for another year in Berlin.
Eichhorn is represented by 11Wins, the same agency that handles Jamal Musiala, giving Bayern a direct communication line. Whether that proves decisive against Dortmund's personal touch remains to be seen.