Hertha Berlin teenager Kennet Eichhorn has been dubbed the “next Toni Kroos” and is on the radar of Manchester United and Arsenal, while Real Madrid striker Endrick is keen to join Lyon on loan. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
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Hertha Berlin teenager Kennet Eichhorn, left, has caught the eye. Andreas Gora/picture alliance via Getty Images
TRENDING RUMORS
– Manchester United and Arsenal are leading the race to sign 16-year-old German sensation Kennet Eichhorn, says The Sun. The Hertha Berlin youngster, who has already been dubbed the “next Toni Kroos,” is also on the radar of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Eichhorn is a Germany U17 international and has played eight times in 2.Bundesliga for Hertha so far this season. A deal would reportedly cost around €20 million, but only to another German club, so that fee might rise if he were to move abroad.
– A loan move to Lyon is Endrick‘s “absolute priority” despite reported interest from several Premier League sides, Fabrizio Romano has revealed. A straight loan to Lyon is currently viewed as the most likely option for the Real Madrid youngster, who has played just once in LaLiga so far this season. Endrick, 19, is reported to be tempted by the opportunity to join the Ligue 1 side, who are competing in the UEFA Europa League this season.
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– Aston Villa have struck an agreement with Morgan Rogers over a “significantly improved” contract, The Athletic reports. The 23-year-old forward is set to put pen to paper in the coming days on a deal that will keep him at Villa Park until 2031. The England international has been sensational since joining Aston Villa from Middlesbrough last year, with 19 goal involvements in the Premier League alone last season.
– Napoli have re-established contact with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Serie A champions are hoping to secure a January deal, which could take the form of a short-term loan. Mainoo, 20, remains Napoli’s No. 1 target after the club failed to land him back in the summer, as a long-term injury sustained by Kevin De Bruyne, as well as Frank Anguissa‘s anticipated absence at the African Nations Cup, has seen Napoli accelerate their interest. Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini has also been lined up as a possible alternative.
– Juventus are monitoring the developing situation of midfielder Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United, Corriere dello Sport reports. With the player seemingly unsettled and “homesick,” a return to Italy is becoming increasingly likely. Juve are keeping an eye on Tonali, who is under contract at St James’ Park until the summer of 2029 and, as per Sky Sports, the 25-year-old doesn’t have a release clause in his Newcastle deal. Tonali stated this week that he’s happy on Tyneside, adding that he will assess his future on a year-by-year basis.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen on the future for Kennet Eichhorn.
Barely three months after making his professional debut, Eichhorn has already suggested that Germany could have the next world-class midfielder on their hands. Having just turned 16 in July, the Hertha Berlin prospect has started six 2.Bundesliga matches — and he hasn’t just survived the trademark frantic pace and physicality of the league, he’s progressively starting to dictate games from the base of midfield.
Usually lined up in a double pivot, Eichhorn has impressed most with how effortlessly he’s taken his composed, mature game from academy level to senior football. There’s no panic in possession or sense of being affected by the occasion. He operates as if he has all the time in the world by scanning, receiving and distributing the ball with the same natural rhythm that made him stand out in Hertha’s youth ranks.
Inevitably, the Kroos comparisons have started to emerge. While Kroos was more advanced at the same age, Eichhorn shares the same clarity in decision-making, the sublime first touch, the ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, and the innate sense of when to speed the game up or slow it down. He already averages close to four progressive passes per 90 minutes, which indicates how willing he is to advance the play. However, his distribution range is wide as he can recycle possession under pressure, penetrate central lines or switch play with a 35-40 meter diagonal that changes the attacking dynamics in a split second.
One side of his game still to fully develop is the physical aspect. Logically, aged just 16, he’s still short of the power and assertiveness to dominate duels consistently, yet he does compensate with mobility, anticipation and intelligent positioning. And his 2.5 interceptions per 90 minutes are synonymous with a player who reads danger early and breaks up play without needing to lunge or overcommit. At youth level, he was also known for driving through the first line of pressure with the ball and flashes of that confidence are beginning to reappear at senior level.
What is certain is that Hertha have developed an extremely interesting prospect — elegant, technically gifted, dynamic, intelligent — of the kind that one could easily see slotting in at Barcelona, Bayern or even, potentially, in the Premier League.
OTHER RUMORS
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– Liverpool have opened contract negotiations with Dominik Szoboszlai after his strong start to the season. The Reds are also looking to secure the long-term future of his midfield partner, Ryan Gravenberch. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Alexis Mac Allister is happy at Liverpool and is not pushing to sign for Real Madrid, despite reports to the contrary. (Football Insider)
– AC Milan are monitoring Vasco da Gama wonderkid Rayan after he became the Brazilian club’s youngest-ever goal scorer this year. (Nicolo Schira)
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– There is a “high chance” that Robert Lewandowski departs Barcelona at the end of the season. However, the 37-year-old Poland striker is not planning a January exit as things stand. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Inter Miami have set their sights on signing Philadelphia Union left back Kai Wagner. Talks are planned after the season, with Miami viewing him as a potential long-term Jordi Alba replacement. (Sky Germany)
– Hamburger SV forward Robert Glatzel is “one to watch” this winter, as a transfer is possible. (Sky Germany)
– Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves is “one step away” from signing a contract extension at Al Hilal. (Nicolo Schira)
– Atlético Madrid have lodged an €18 million bid to sign Corinthians’ star midfielder Breno Bidon. (Ekrem Konur)
– Gary O’Neil is in pole position for the vacant managerial position at Southampton after turning down an approach from his former club Wolves. (Telegraph)
