EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea and Liverpool scout 18-year-old Hertha Berlin sensation

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 1 Apr 2024 17:03 BST
• 5 min read

Exclusive

Liverpool and Chelsea are among a consortium of European clubs vying for the signature of Bence Dardai, FootballTransfers has been told.

Both Premier League clubs have been scouting the 18-year-old Hertha Berlin playmaker ahead of the summer window, when his current deal with the German club ends.

We understand Chelsea and Liverpool scouts saw the youngster in action at the Pinatar Cup, which was won by England’s U18 side captained by Jayden Danns earlier this week. Fellow Reds players Amara Nallo and Trey Nyoni were also present at the tournament.

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Dardai is the youngest of three siblings currently plying their trade at the Berlin-based club who are positioned mid-table in Germany's second division. Dardai’s father, Pal, boasts a distinguished career with Hertha Berlin, both as a player and now as their manager, in addition to representing Hungary internationally.

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A post shared by Bence Dardai (@bencedardai)

Should Liverpool secure Dardai's transfer to Merseyside, it would continue a trend seen in emerging talents coming from sporting backgrounds.

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As for Chelsea , they have made finding some of the brightest young talents in the world their recruitment strategy and Dardai is among the players Chelsea have been watching.

How good is Bence Dardai?

Following his breakthrough onto the senior stage, Dardai has earned international recognition at U18 level for Germany.

His contract is up in the summer and there have been suggestions that he may sign for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. However, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen.

A towering presence, Dardai likes to push forward from the middle of the park and he grabbed his first senior goal contribution with an assist against Holstein Kiel back in September.

Liverpool's midfield already boasts promising young talents such as Stefan Bajcetic, James McConnell, Harvey Elliott, Bobby Clark, and Lewis Koumas, all of whom have proven themselves capable when given the opportunity by Jurgen Klopp this season.