Havertz leaves German camp to finalize reported transfer to Chelsea
Kai Havertz was allowed to leave Germany's training camp on Friday to put the finishing touches on "his upcoming transfer to England," the German Football Association confirmed.
The attacking midfielder's destination is expected to be Chelsea after Bayer Leverkusen reportedly accepted the London club's €100-million offer early last week.
Leverkusen head coach Peter Bosz admitted he didn't expect Havertz to return to Die Werkself after September's international fixtures were over.
"Obviously, we'd have preferred it if he was able to concentrate fully on the start of the international campaign, but we're aware of the importance of the move for both Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Kai, so we want to deal with it responsibly," Oliver Bierhoff, director of the national team and academy, said.
"At the same time, it's an honor and a big compliment for German football when young German players are in demand by top international clubs. The national team can also benefit from the experience these players gain abroad - both in terms of sport and personal development."
Havertz was an unused substitute in Germany's 1-1 draw with Spain in the Nations League on Thursday.
The 21-year-old scored 18 goals in 45 appearances for Leverkusen last season. His arrival at Chelsea would continue a busy transfer window for Frank Lampard's side after Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, and Malang Sarr have already moved to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues are also reportedly pursuing a transfer for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
HEADLINES
- AD cleared to play after inadvertent eye poke, declines to wear goggles
- Raptors' Quickley out at least a week with elbow injury
- Vikings' Flores 'certainly' wants to be NFL head coach again
- 2025 HHOF preview: Examining loaded list of 1st-year eligible players
- Rays' Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation