Kai Havertz looks likely to leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer after the club’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, hinted at an exit for their star player.
The 20-year-old has become one of the most sought-after stars in European football since debuting for the Bundesliga side in October 2016.
Still at a tender age, he has racked up over 130 games for Leverkusen and also picked up seven caps for Germany.
He netted 20 goals in all competitions last season, from midfield, and while Leverkusen managed to persuade him to stay for this season, Voller admits that another is unlikely.
‘He still has a contract until 2022 – these are, of course, the classic facts,’ Voller told German outlet Nitro-tv.
‘There was already interest in the summer, but we told him that it would be good for him to stay with us for a year. And that was the right decision.
‘I am glad that we kept him this year. We’ll see what it looks like in summer.’
Manchester United and Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the young German, but both will be looking to bring down an asking price of around £80m.
Former Tottenham midfielder, and German football pundit Steffen Freund, says whatever the offer, Leverkusen should hold onto Havertz for another season after this one.
‘I know it’s a lot about money, but I would advise him to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another season,’ said Freund.
‘Bayer Leverkusen is under no pressure because it is a long-term contract. I also know that Rudi Voller recommends that to him.
‘But then comes the pressure with consultants, large clubs that can also win titles, which is relatively rare with Leverkusen.
‘Then it is just too good – at some point for Leverkusen. But why not another year?’
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