Younger Than Lamine Yamal: Real Madrid Scouts the “New Toni Kroos”
The Spanish giants are closely monitoring 16-year-old German prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, hailed as Toni Kroos’s natural successor.
Football’s youth revolution continues to accelerate — and Real Madrid has its eyes on the latest wonderkid making headlines across Europe: Kennet Eichhorn, a 16-year-old midfielder already being compared to Toni Kroos.
Eichhorn, who recently became the youngest player ever to debut in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin, has quickly drawn attention from major clubs. His intelligence on the ball, passing precision, and composure under pressure have led many to see him as a player in the mold of Kroos — and Madrid is paying close attention.
Juni Calafat’s New Mission
The club’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, is once again leading the search for emerging talent. Known for discovering stars like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, Endrick, Arda Güler, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham, Calafat has been tasked by Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez to keep a close watch on Eichhorn’s progress.
Madrid reportedly even consulted Kroos himself about the young German, given his insight into Bundesliga football and his understanding of what it takes to thrive at Real Madrid. With Kroos’s retirement drawing closer, the club sees Eichhorn as a potential heir to his legacy in midfield.
Fierce Competition Across Europe
Eichhorn’s market value is currently estimated at €6 million, though a transfer could cost closer to €20 million given the level of interest. Several top German sides — including Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt — are already monitoring him closely.
Outside Germany, PSG, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are all tracking the teenager’s development.
For now, Real Madrid’s approach is cautious but determined. The directive from the board is clear: keep Eichhorn under observation and be ready to act swiftly if another club makes a move. With such early promise, the “new Toni Kroos” could soon find himself at the center of Europe’s next major transfer battle.
