After two match-winning performances since the Bundesliga resumed already, talk of Kai Havertz’s next club move continues.
Still only 20, the attack-minded midfielder and winger still has his whole career in front of him. How much more of it will be with Bayer Leverkusen – where Havertz has been since the age of 11 – remains to be seen.
He scored his first international goal for Germany in a prestige friendly with Argentina last year. Havertz is well on course to better last season’s club tally of 20, meanwhile.
Trusted to take Leverkusen’s penalties at such a tender age, the world is his oyster. The question is where next?
In a transfer window that cannot be in its traditional slot due to the delays to the European season, Havertz should still command a big price tag.
That may give suitors pause for thought in paying for his services this year. That is reflected in odds of 13/8 with Paddy Power that Havertz doesn’t sign a deal or agree any contract with another club.
On the other hand, the current situation may not deter Europe’s top teams from pursuing here. With that in mind, here are four Havertz next club options, according to the betting on his future.
Bayern Munich an obvious next step
Go back 15 years or so and the Bayern Munich side of the early 2000s had Leverkusen purchases aplenty in it. In defence, Brazil’s World Cup winner Lucio and Croatia international Robert Kovac were regulars.
Further forward, a certain Michael Ballack put in all-action displays in midfield with Ze Roberto also involved. It may be time for Bayern to once again look to Leverkusen.
Munich don’t have options in place to sign loan duo Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic. Their departure from the Allianz Arena after temporary transfer thins out the attacking midfield and wide options at the club.
That could be where Havertz comes in. Bayern are odds-on favourites to be his next club after the next transfer window, but there are no guarantees he would start every game.
Thomas Muller plays in similar areas to Havertz and tops the Bundesliga assist table. This renaissance for a long-serving player and popular graduate of Munich’s academy is an obstacle to first-team football.
Havertz had all the potential to be a Bayern star of the future, so they are sure to keep tabs on him beyond this summer.
Liverpool links make sense as Havertz next club
So long as Jurgen Klopp is in the Anfield dugout, then German football players will be linked to Liverpool. Signings brought to Merseyside by the Reds boss from his home country haven’t exactly been successes in the past.
Big things would be expected of Havertz, however, as he tries to get into a team that should be Premier League champions. A title win for Liverpool after 30 years of hurt is just a formality now.
With Adam Lallana leaving Anfield, there is squad space free for fresh faces to come in. Again, whether the Reds will pay whatever Leverkusen want for Havertz remains to be seen.
Munich apart, Liverpool is seen as his most likely destination right now. Klopp may use Havertz behind his front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
A move to Anfield is obviously appealing. The footballing hotbed that is Merseyside once again enjoys top spot after three decades of disappointment but occasional European glory.
Manchester City dark horses in market
Whenever the Premier League season ends, Man City lose long-serving David Silva. There is also talk of Leroy Sane leaving the Etihad.
If that follows Silva’s departure, then Pep Guardiola is all of a sudden lacking depth in his supporting cast. Bayern probably can’t afford to buy both Sane and Havertz in the current climate, so that leaves City as an option.
Uncertainty surrounds the Etihad about Champions League football beyond this term. An appeal over their European ban which comes into effect from next season will be heard in June.
That makes planning for the future difficult. Guardiola does have Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva already on the books, and City coped without Sane for much of the campaign when he was out injured.
Compatriot Ilkay Gundogan could help Havertz settle in at the Etihad. However, any transfers to Man City depend on whether the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns their ban on appeal.
Real Madrid may move players on
Teams in Spain are also Havertz next club options, and Real Madrid look set to make squad changes this summer. The loveless marriage with Gareth Bale needs resolving for one thing.
In midfield, Luka Modric turns 35 in September and Toni Kroos – who spent 18 months on loan with Leverkusen earlier in his career – is reaching the end of his peak.
Serbia striker Luka Jovic starred in German football, but has found the move to the Bernabeu difficult. That may give Havertz pause for thought.
There is no hiding place in the Galactico glare shining on Real players. Havertz would have to hit the ground running, but even then the demanding fans don’t always take to foreign players.
You are only as good as your last match at Madrid. Havertz may find other teams more appealing, and that is reflected in Los Blancos’ odds of 20/1 to sign him this summer.
