Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed on Monday that Liverpool have already held concrete talks over a potential move and that Eichhorn is planning to leave Hertha this summer.
The release clause in his contract is understood to be worth between €10 million and €12 million — a significant fee for a player of his age, but one that reflects the scale of demand building around him. Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United have all been linked with the teenager. Liverpool's approach is currently the most advanced.
Eichhorn scored twice and started 14 of his 19 second-division appearances this season, drawing widespread attention for his positional intelligence and passing range — qualities that have prompted comparisons to Toni Kroos. He has also represented Germany at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 level, captaining the Under-17 side in all four of his appearances at that level.
Any deal would face a regulatory hurdle. EU rules governing the transfer of players under the age of 18 mean Eichhorn could not move to Liverpool until he turns 18 — a birthday that falls in July 2027. An agreement struck now would effectively secure his services ahead of that date, with the player developing in Liverpool's academy structure until eligible to join the first team environment.
Liverpool are in the midst of a broader youth recruitment drive. The club have already announced the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna, and a deal for Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional has also been agreed. Eichhorn would represent a third significant addition to the club's long-term talent pipeline in a single summer.
Manager Arne Slot has identified defensive midfield as a positional need, with the teenage German seen internally as a potential long-term successor to Ryan Gravenberch in the deepest role.
Hertha Berlin are currently in the 2. Bundesliga and in no position to resist significant offers.