Kai Havertz enters the 2020 summer transfer window as one of the most coveted young footballers in Europe.
The 21-year-old emerged as one of the brightest stars in the Bundesliga last season while helping Bayer Leverkusen to a fifth-placed finish.
With his 12 goals and six assists attracting attention from across the continent, his future now appears to lie elsewhere.
Liverpool were the first big club expected to make a move while German champions Bayern Munich have inevitably been linked.
However, Chelsea have emerged as firm favourites for his signature as Frank Lampard looks to add further reinforcements to his ever-expanding squad.
While his destination is uncertain, one thing is for sure: speculation regarding Havertz’s future is likely to rumble on all summer.
i will be tracking progress of the deal, with the latest information that we know and what is being reported elsewhere.
Here’s the latest…
Havertz transfer news
Sunday 9 August: Havertz will not leave Bayer Leverkusen for anything less than £90m, says the club’s sporting director Rudi Voller – La Gazzetta dello Sport
Thursday 6 August: Havertz features in Leverkusen’s 1-0 (4-1 agg) victory over Rangers in the Europa League. It was a “display of versatility which showed exactly what Chelsea are after,” writes Michael Hincks for i
Wednesday 5 August: Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz addresses Havertz transfer rumours as the club prepare to face Rangers in the Europa League. “I will answer these questions very shortly,” said Bosz. “Yes, he will play and yes I’m convinced he’s 100 per cent still fighting for Leverkusen.” – Sky Sports
Tuesday 4 August: Bayern Munich appear to pull out of the race to sign Havertz, with club president Uli Hoenness telling Frankfurter Allgemeine: “I am sure that after Leroy Sane there will be no major transfers this year. This has nothing to do with the quality of Havertz. We all think he is a very, very good player. But in the corona period after a transfer of almost €50m, one of €70-80m or more, I can’t imagine making unless we secure counter-financing through player sales.”
Thursday 28 July: Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director, claims “we have had no official offer” for Kai Havertz. When pressed on Chelsea’s interest, he added: “We have not yet had an offer. We know that clubs are interested, but there is no official offer.”
Rolfes continued to say that Havertz has not pushed for a move to London and has been working hard in training after returning from a short break: “He is focused. Kai is relaxed about the speculation, is focused, in a good mood… Like the other players, the holiday did him good.” – Kicker
Wednesday 27 July: Bayer Leverkusen are adamant Kai Havertz will not leave until their Europa League campaign is over. “That is set in stone,” says club director Rudi Voller
Tuesday 28 July: “The 21-year-old will not be forced to play in next week’s Europa League tie against Rangers if it could jeopardise a deal.” – Daily Telegraph
Monday 27 July: “Official talks have started between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen over Havertz. The Blues would like to complete the deal soon but will only pay €80m (£74m) fee including add ons” – Fabrizio Romano
Sunday 26 July: “Chelsea are confident of signing Havertz even if they do not qualify for the Champions League but and are also targeting defensive recruits Declan Rice and Nicolas Tagliafico” – Mail on Sunday
Friday 24 July: Havertz is spotted in training as Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz plays down suggestions a transfer is imminent, telling the club website “I am confident that he will be with us in the Europa League,” the final stages of which return in mid-August
Thursday 23 July: “Havertz will tell Bayer Leverkusen chiefs he wants to move to Chelsea as his club return to training today” – Bild
Wednesday 22 July: “Chelsea will make a formal bid for Havertz once they have qualified for the Champions League… with the player reportedly keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge” – ESPN
Tuesday 21 July: “Petr Cech, Chelsea’s technical adviser, will fly out to Germany after the Premier League season to hold face-to-face talks with Havertz” – Sky Sports
Monday 20 July: “Chelsea are the only club prepared to offer a fee for the attacking midfielder… it will probably be about €80m (£74m) after add-ons” – The Athletic
Friday 17 July: Real Madrid appear to withdraw from race for Havertz’s signature as Florentino Perez tells Spanish radio the club’s finances have taken a drastic hit from the coronavirus crisis: “The situation is really bad,” Perez told El Transistor. “It’s hard to ask the players to take a pay cut to help deal with it and then make signings. That can wait. Madrid will sign the best again when the situation changes”
📸 Some photos from today's training session! pic.twitter.com/uXmMhzjBos
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) July 23, 2020
Thursday 16 July: “Leverkusen are seeking a €100m (£92m) fee for Havertz but could accept a deal with add-ons and bonuses” – Bild
Tuesday 14 July: “Havertz would consider a move to a club not playing in the Champions League next season” – BBC
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