Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed the plan, describing it as a creative solution to the post-Brexit registration rules that prevent English clubs from fielding players from European nations before they turn 18.
Eichhorn turns 18 on July 27, 2027 — meaning City would own him for over a year before he could officially appear for them. Leverkusen, who have an established cooperation framework with City, would take him on loan for that period, giving him Bundesliga experience while the asset appreciates.
Eichhorn has made 19 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga this season, starting 16 of them, and has established himself as one of the most technically accomplished 16-year-olds in German football history. He scored a record-breaking goal in April to become the youngest scorer in the division's history. Two goals and two assists barely hint at his full contribution.
Bayern Munich remain the most likely destination according to multiple German sources, with the club identified as the frontrunner following a face-to-face meeting between sporting director Ole Book and the player. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also still in the picture.
The English angle is complicated by the registration rules — but City's partnership with Leverkusen transforms the obstacle into a workable structure. Hertha are pushing for Eichhorn to stay on loan in Berlin for a further year regardless of who buys him, which adds another layer of negotiation.
The release clause sits at approximately €10million if Hertha remain in the 2. Bundesliga and the buyer is a club in the same country, rising to around €12million for foreign clubs. City can afford it. The question is whether Eichhorn wants Premier League development — with a Bundesliga detour — over staying in Germany from day one.