There is no chance the reported transfer of Kai Havertz to Chelsea will be completed before the end of July. That's because the German playmaker has to play first with Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League and if the club advances deep into the campaign, Havertz will only be free by the third week of August.
Leverkusen director Rudi Voller confirmed that Havertz will remain with the club until his duties in the European competition are completed. The Bundesliga said will start on the campaign next week and if the run is successful, meaning Leverkusen will play in the finals, the 21-year-old will not be moving out until August 21.
It was understood that Havertz had requested for his transfer to be processed and completed this week but the German club denied the move, Goal reported.
"It is set in stone ... There is no new stance," the Leverkusen executive was reported as saying.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is said ready to make an offer to Havertz anytime this week following the confirmation by the latter that he favors a switch to the London club next season. In recent weeks, the German has made clear that he intends to play under Lampard and that desire is seen to have gained further traction when the Blues secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
However, the transfer deal getting completed appeared to be threatened by the valuation set on Havertz by Leverkusen. The German side is willing to sell the player but for a fee that is no lower than £90 million.
The Blues are working to reduce the outright cash demanded for the release of Havertz and have offered an initial payment of £70. The English club attempted to sweeten the deal by offering add-ons or performance incentives that will be paid over the next few years.
It appeared though that Leverkusen would not consider a pay package that does involvement cash payment of the transfer fee.
Voller said: "There will be no corona bonus ... No matter who the player is, this is a special transfer window."
The latest development seemed to contradict the earlier suggestions that Havertz wearing the Chelsea shirt next season is a done deal. Metro said that even Leroy Sane, who recently signed with Bayern Munich, provided a hint that Havertz is bound for the Stamford Bridge.
"Many young players get their chance and develop well in the Bundesliga. I think that with Werner and Havertz, which are two Germans in one year, Chelsea did a good job," Sane was reported as saying.
Essentially, the former Manchester City star confirmed that Havertz, who is Sane's Germany teammate, has already an agreement with the Blues although it could be in personal terms.
