According to a report from Berliner Kurier journalist Wolfgang Heise, Bayern Munich could be attempting to make a swap deal in order to make a proposal for Hertha Berlin wunderkind Kennet Eichhorn a little more affordable.
The player who would go to Hertha Berlin? Maurice Krattenmacher, who is on loan with Hertha BSC from Bayern Munich and has tallied two goals and one assist in 21 games across all competitions this season:
Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern are currently engaged in a race in Germany
for the best young player in Europe born in 2009. Dortmund is tempting Hertha Berlin and Eichhorn with even more money. Actually, the Ruhr club is in the lead.
But it’s not that simple. Another deal is also underway between Hertha and FC Bayern. The Blue-Whites are determined to keep winger Maurice Krattenmacher (20) after his one-year loan, ideally to buy him outright. Hertha’s managing director, Dr. Peter Görlich, confirmed this: “We are in talks with Bayern about Kratti; perhaps something will come of it.”
A swap deal is in the works: FC Bayern will get Eichhorn for a certain sum and add Krattenmacher on top. Hertha could thus generate the necessary transfer revenue almost in one fell swoop with the Eichhorn sale, while simultaneously retaining a valuable player in their squad. Görlich: “Krattenmacher is an interesting young player that many clubs want. Perhaps we have a chance to keep him.”
Bayern Munich also need to make a move regarding Krattenmacher. The winger’s contract expires next year, and the record champions must sell him now. His market value has remained stable at €3.5 million this season, as the winger has performed well. Coach Stefan Leitl is convinced of the attacking player’s abilities.
And what about Eichhorn? Hertha, like last season, needs to generate revenue through the sale of superstar Ibo Maza (who moved to Leverkusen for €12 million). But the crucial question is: What does Eichhorn want? Besides offers from other Bundesliga clubs, Manchester City, Arsenal, and the Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested in him.
BFW Analysis
Swap deals rarely work, but they are fun to explore and discuss. On some levels, this particular scenario would make sense if Hertha Berlin actually likes Krattenmacher that much. However, the reality still seems like it would be tough for Bayern Munich to convince Hertha Berlin to take less money and Krattenmacher for such a valuable, young plater like Eichhorn.
At this point, we will not say it won’t happen or can’t happen, but adding Krattenmacher might now lower the transfer fee all that much.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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