Who is Kennet Eichhorn?

Kennet Eichhorn is a 17-year-old German football midfielder, dubbed a 'wonder kid' by the media. In June 2026, he moved from Hertha Berlin to Bayer Leverkusen for nine million euros.

Why does Kennet Eichhorn have to pause his career?

Eichhorn has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, which was discovered after he suffered a gastrointestinal infection. He has been admitted to a specialized clinic for treatment and has been temporarily removed from the team.

How long will Kennet Eichhorn's break last?

The exact return date is unknown. According to available information, Eichhorn will certainly miss the start of the season, and Bild reports that he will be out for at least the entire first half of the season.

What is Bayer Leverkusen's stance on Eichhorn's situation?

The club has offered full support to the player and his family, stating that there is no time pressure for his return. Eichhorn has been relieved of all club duties for the time being to focus entirely on his recovery.

Football

Bayer Midfielder Sidelined Long-Term Due to Metabolic Disorder

N.G. · Prije 2h | 2 min

Just weeks after Bayer Leverkusen paid nine million euros for him, 17-year-old Kennet Eichhorn must temporarily halt his career and begin treatment.

Summary

17-year-old midfielder Kennet Eichhorn must temporarily halt his career due to a metabolic disorder.
The diagnosis was made after he suffered a gastrointestinal infection last month and lost five kilograms.
Bayer Leverkusen paid Hertha Berlin nine million euros for him in June 2026.
The club has stated that it will provide the player with full support and that there is no time pressure for his return to the field.

German football fans were stunned to learn that Kennet Eichhorn, the 17-year-old midfielder hailed as a "wonder kid," will be out of action for an extended period. The young Bayer Leverkusen player is facing a serious health challenge that has taken both him and the club by surprise.

As reported by Bild and confirmed by other German media outlets, Eichhorn has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder. The health issues emerged last month when he suffered a gastrointestinal infection during which he lost five kilograms in just five days. Subsequent thorough medical examinations revealed a more serious problem, leading to his urgent admission to a specialized clinic.

A Major Blow for Bayer and a Promising Career

The situation is particularly shocking given the circumstances of his arrival in Leverkusen. Bayer only paid Hertha Berlin nine million euros for this talented midfielder in June 2026, counting on his development and potential contribution to the first team as early as this season. He was expected to play a significant role in the squad of the German runners-up, also known as the Apothecaries.

The "wonder kid," as Bild described him, was supposed to continue his meteoric rise, but now he is forced into a long layoff. While sources like Tportal report that he will certainly miss the start of the season, with no exact return date known, Slobodna Dalmacija, citing Bild, specifies that Eichhorn will be out for at least the entire first half of the season.

Club Offers Unconditional Support

Bayer Leverkusen immediately responded, stating that they will not put any pressure on the young player. They emphasized that Eichhorn and his family will receive all necessary help and support during his recovery. The diagnosis has been described as "shocking," and the club has decided to relieve him of all club duties for the time being.

In Leverkusen, there is confidence that the talented midfielder, whose services were previously sought after by numerous European clubs, will recover successfully and return to the pitch as soon as his health allows. They are convinced that after treatment, he will confirm his immense potential and justify the nine-million-euro investment. The news was also shared on Twitter by user FCBayern Xtra, highlighting that this is a "major shock for Bayer Leverkusen."