German talent paid nine million euros forced to halt career
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, 17, has been admitted to a specialized clinic and will miss the first part of the season after doctors discovered a serious health issue.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, 17, has been admitted to a specialized clinic and will miss the first part of the season after doctors discovered a serious health issue.
Kennet Eichhorn, a 17-year-old German football midfielder, has been forced to temporarily halt his career due to a diagnosed metabolic disorder, as reported by Index.hr. The young Bayer Leverkusen player, dubbed a "wonder kid," joined the club this summer for nine million euros from Hertha Berlin, but is now undergoing treatment at a specialized clinic.
Health problems began last month, in July 2026, following a gastrointestinal infection. In just five days, Eichhorn lost five kilograms. Detailed medical examinations conducted after the infection revealed a metabolic disorder, according to Index.hr, citing the German newspaper Bild.
Due to the diagnosis, the player has been relieved of all club duties and admitted to a specialized clinic. According to Bild, Eichhorn will certainly be sidelined for the first part of the season, with no exact return date yet known.
Bayer Leverkusen have stated that they do not wish to put pressure on the young footballer and plan to give him all the time he needs for a full recovery. They emphasized that Eichhorn and his family will receive all necessary assistance during his treatment.
The club is confident that Eichhorn will return to the pitch as soon as his health stabilizes. They expect him to continue his development, which has placed him among the most promising young players in Germany. Earlier, many other European clubs had shown interest in him.
At Bayer, they are convinced that after his recovery, he will prove his talent and justify the nine-million-euro investment.
