Chelsea signed Kai Havertz in 2020 for €80 million. His arrival was grueling as Chelsea had been chasing the German for almost three months. Then 21 year old had set fire in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.
However, since signing for the Blues, the unreal hype has dwindled as Havertz has not been able to consistently replicate the form that earned him a move to Stamford Bridge. In his first season at Chelsea, Havertz managed nine goals and eight assists in 45 games. Havertz has operated in a variety of roles in the forward line.
He has been deployed as an inside forward, as a player out wide, as an attacking midfielder and most recently as a No.9. Under Graham Potter, Havertz has largely played as an out and out striker as Potter didn’t trust Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Havertz could be regarded as a dynamic false nine who drops deep to link-up regularly but that often deprives Chelsea of a focal point in the opposition box. In Potter’s side, his effectiveness has gone down when playing as the main centre forward.
Chelsea will want €60 million for Kai Havertz
There is a reasonable argument that Havertz’s €80 million deal hasn’t worked out the way that Chelsea would have desired. CFC are also struggling in the Premier League, sitting 10th with 29 points. There is a big risk of the Blues missing out on Champions League football for next season.
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Havertz’s future at Chelsea is uncertain with a summer departure being on the cards. If Chelsea fail to qualify for UCL next season, Havertz could leave as Champions League football is crucial for him. The Blues of London will be looking to raise €60 million from his sale should the German decide to depart in the summer.
With the arrival of Christopher Nkunku and a possible permanent deal for Joao Felix, Havertz could see immense competition in his role and see a drastic reduction in playing time if he doesn’t perform up to the mark.
With the exorbitant spending in the summer and this winter, CFC will soon look to sell players to balance the books and reduce the risk of violating FFP rules. Chelsea are open to discussing offers for Hakim Ziyech in January. For Havertz, CFC may keep their ears open in the summer as money generated through the sale could also be used in bringing new players.
Should CFC sell Kai Havertz?