Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Kai Havertz is tied to the future of James Rodriguez

Per a report by Abendzeitung, Bayern Munich’s rumored pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen starlet Kai Havertz could be directly tied to whatever the club decides to do with James Rodriguez. Uli Hoeness’ recent “if you only knew” declaration about a potentially active and expensive summer transfer window might have let the world glimpse some of the background action going on in Munich to prepare for the 2019/2020 season.

For his part, James has hemmed-and-hawed about his future of late, often speaking of a fondness for Real Madrid where “the wheels are in motion” for a potential return to Los Blancos. Rodriguez, of course, has either been extremely non-committal to Bayern or fully committed to a career in Germany depending on which audience he is speaking to. Either way, the Colombian star is keeping whatever his real feelings are about his future on lock down.

There have also been quite a few incidents of drama surrounding James this season, whether it was storming out of the locker room early or arriving late to training.

All of that has led to much speculation on what the future holds for the midfielder. James, who likes to play as himself in FIFA ‘19, even muddies the waters in a puff piece about the video game by stating that he likes to play as either Bayern or Real Madrid.

While Bayern indeed holds the cards in regard to exercising their purchase option on James, the Bavarians are already looking at a back-up plan should the club and/or player decide that the 27-year-old’s future would be better spent in Spain, Italy, or England.

If James leaves, Bayern has a plan B: Leverkusen’s midfield gem Kai Havertz (19). According to SportBild, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic inquired with Havertz’s consulting agency, which also represents Serge Gnabry.

It was previously reported that Bayern has Havertz firmly on their transfer radar, but Salihamidzic’s alleged contact with Havertz’s agency could mean things are getting a bit more serious. Surely, a wunderkind like Havertz would not come cheap, especially given Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller’s apparent disdain for dealing with the Bavarians.

Bayern, however, appears to recognize the vast potential of having Die Mannschaft’s next big thing wearing red for the foreseeable future, so it could be one crazy summer for spending in southeast Germany.