According to Sky Germany, Eichhorn has decided against a move to Anfield despite Liverpool tabling the richest financial package of any interested club. The Germany youth international wants to remain in the Bundesliga, at least for now.
Kicker reports that Bayer Leverkusen currently hold a narrow advantage over RB Leipzig in the race, with Liverpool's chances now considered slim.
Leverkusen have a specific card to play. The club recently appointed Kostantinos Kotsifakis to their coaching setup — and Kotsifakis is understood to have been one of Eichhorn's most influential mentors during his development at Hertha. That connection is seen as a material factor in the teenager's thinking.
Eichhorn made his professional debut for Hertha at 16 years and 14 days old in August 2025, becoming the youngest player in 2. Bundesliga history in the process. He has since established himself as a regular presence in Hertha's midfield across the second division.
The overall financial package required to sign him is understood to be approximately €20 million — with €9 million of that representing a release clause payable to Hertha, and the remainder structured as signing-on payments to the player's side. That total cost deterred Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund from pursuing the deal to its conclusion.
Liverpool had considered a creative solution to the Brexit barrier that prevents players under 18 from competing professionally in England. One proposal under examination involved signing Eichhorn immediately and loaning him back to Leverkusen until he turns 18 in July 2027. Manchester City were exploring a similar arrangement.
Those solutions are now moot given the player's stated preference to stay in Germany. Leverkusen's strong development reputation, combined with the personal connection through Kotsifakis, appears to have been decisive.