Bayer Leverkusen confirm Kennet Eichhorn diagnosed with metabolic disorder

Bayer Leverkusen's pre-season has been overshadowed by worrying news surrounding one of the club's brightest young talents, with Kennet Eichhorn ruled out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a metabolic disorder.

The Bundesliga club confirmed the diagnosis on Saturday, explaining that the condition was identified during routine medical examinations following a period in which the 17-year-old experienced significant physical strain and rapid weight loss.

According to Bayer, the problems began after Eichhorn suffered a gastrointestinal illness in mid-July. The illness caused the midfielder to lose a considerable amount of weight in a short period, prompting the club's medical department to carry out further examinations.

Those tests ultimately revealed the metabolic disorder.

Leverkusen have not provided a timetable for Eichhorn's return, stating only that the teenager will now undergo specialist treatment under the supervision of expert doctors.

According to BILD, the highly-rated midfielder is expected to be admitted to a specialist clinic in the coming days, where he will receive inpatient treatment aimed at stabilising his condition and helping him regain the weight and strength he lost during his illness.

The newspaper reports that Eichhorn lost five kilograms in just five days, making it impossible for him to rebuild his physical condition naturally. His absence is therefore expected to depend entirely on how his body responds to treatment, with no clear indication of when he could return to football.

It represents a major setback for both player and club.

Leverkusen had invested around €9 million to sign Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin this summer after one of the most remarkable breakthrough seasons by a teenager in recent Bundesliga 2 history. During the campaign, he became the division's youngest player, youngest starter and youngest goalscorer, establishing himself as one of Europe's most sought-after midfield prospects.

The club's faith in him extended beyond the future.

According to BILD, new head coach Carles Martínez had already planned to integrate Eichhorn directly into his first-team plans this season. Operating in Bayer's new 4-3-3 system, the teenager had been earmarked for a role in the double pivot after impressing throughout the recruitment process.

Leverkusen had beaten intense competition to secure his signature.

Several of Europe's biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, had all monitored Eichhorn before Bayer ultimately convinced him with their sporting project.

Now, however, football has taken a back seat.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes made that clear in the club's official statement.

"Kennet is set to embark on what we hope will be a very long career at the very highest level. We will support him as best we can along the way."

"What's important at this stage is that we have put the right measures in place for his recovery and that Kennet is given the time and peace he needs for his treatment, without any pressure."

Those words underline Leverkusen's immediate priority.

Rather than rushing one of the biggest talents in European football back onto the pitch, the club is placing his health first. Eichhorn remains a central part of Bayer's long-term plans, but for now, the focus is entirely on ensuring he makes a full recovery before thinking about his highly anticipated Bundesliga debut.