Football · Leverkusen and Berlin
Leverkusen's 17-year-old Kennet Eichhorn sidelined indefinitely by metabolic disorder
The midfielder, who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha BSC this summer for a reported 9 million euros, will begin inpatient treatment after a gastrointestinal illness and weight loss.
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In brief
A treatable metabolic disturbance was diagnosed after specialist exams, triggered by a gastrointestinal illness and excessive weight loss; the duration of absence is unknown.
Eichhorn joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha BSC for a reported 9 million euros after making 19 second-division appearances at age 16 last season.
He will shortly begin inpatient care in a specialized facility, with an individual athletic build-up to follow, but no return date has been set.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes said the club has put the right recovery measures in place and that Eichhorn will get time and peace without pressure.
The case echoes Mario Götze's past metabolic issues after returning to Dortmund from Bayern; Götze, now 34, plays for Eintracht Frankfurt on a contract until 2028.
- Summer 2026Transfers from Hertha BSC to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported 9 million euros.
- Early August 2026Suffers gastrointestinal illness, excessive physical strain and weight loss.
- 1 AugLeverkusen announces diagnosis of treatable metabolic disorder after specialist examinations.
- UpcomingBegins inpatient treatment at a specialized facility, followed by individual athletic rehabilitation.
Bayer Leverkusen announced on 1 August 2026 that 17-year-old midfielder Kennet Eichhorn has been diagnosed with a treatable metabolic disorder and will be sidelined for an unknown period. The diagnosis follows a gastrointestinal illness that led to excessive physical strain and weight loss.
Medical findings
After specialist examinations, the club said Eichhorn's condition was "a metabolic disorder requiring treatment." It developed after high physical load and significant weight loss tied to a gastrointestinal infection. The player will shortly begin inpatient care at a specialized facility, followed by an individual athletic rehabilitation program. No timeline for his return to training was given.
From Berlin prodigy to summer signing
Eichhorn moved to Leverkusen in the summer of 2026 for a fee reported at 9 million euros, having attracted interest from top European clubs. Still only 16 years old last season, he made 19 professional appearances for Hertha BSC in the 2. Bundesliga. Under new coach Carles Martinez, the youngster was expected to compete for a central midfield role alongside the likes of Aleix Garcia, Exequiel Palacios, Ezequiel Fernández and Robert Andrich.
Club's protective stance
Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes stressed the long-term perspective.
“Kennet has a hopefully very long career at the highest level ahead of him. We will support him on that path as best we can. The important thing now is that we have initiated the right measures for his recovery and that Kennet gets the necessary time and peace for his treatment without pressure.”
Rolfes' words reflect a deliberate attempt to shield the teenager from external expectations. The club's depth in midfield also reduces the immediate sporting impact, but the focus remains entirely on Eichhorn's health.
Echo of past cases
The diagnosis recalls the metabolic condition that once sidelined Mario Götze after his move from Bayern Munich back to Borussia Dortmund. Götze withdrew from public view to concentrate fully on recovery. The 34-year-old now plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, his contract running until 30 June 2028. Leverkusen have given no indication that Eichhorn's case is similarly severe, but the comparison underlines how seriously the club is taking the situation.
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Sources and context
- Kennet Eichhorn
- 17-year-old midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen, diagnosed with metabolic disorder after summer transfer from Hertha BSC.
- Simon Rolfes
- Sporting managing director of Bayer Leverkusen, who announced the diagnosis and emphasized the club's long-term support.
- Mario Götze
- Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder who previously dealt with a metabolic disorder when returning to Borussia Dortmund from Bayern Munich.
- Places
- Leverkusen
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