Update: Kai Havertz DOES want to switch to Bayern Munich, contradicting previous reports

According to a report by kicker, Kai Havertz does not fancy a move to Bayern Munich this summer. The Bavarians have been linked with him for some time now, but the player feels uncomfortable with the competitiveness for playing time at the Sabener Strasse, which often continues off the pitch. European superclubs such as Juventus, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona are mentioned as potential destinations for the 20-year-old, but the expected economic fallout of the coronavirus outbreak makes a transfer much less likely.

At the moment, Bayern are still very interested in pursuing Havertz. The German Rekordmeister don’t want him to become a repeat of the Leroy Sane situation, where a top German youngster and national team prospect went to a European rival unchallenged. Havertz’s doubts stem from the fact the he is a somewhat reserved individual, and doesn’t think he would fit in the club’s cut-throat environment. It may also hamper his preparation for the Euros, which have been pushed to 2021.

Interest from other parties, however, is muted. Barcelona were the only superclub that never contacted Bayer Leverkusen about the youngster — and that was before the coronavirus shut down football across Europe. Leverkusen were hoping to set Havertz’s price around 130m euros, based on Joao Felix’s insane 120m transfer fee the year before, but the price is looking increasingly unrealistic.

Instead, the superclubs seem to be looking at other options. Barcelona are still trying to bring back Neymar, who is a more established brand and easier to market than Havertz. Juventus and Real Madrid are also unlikely to be interested at Bayer’s asking price, given that the 20-year-old isn’t a starter for the German NT, and lacks the brand power of a player like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

Among the big English clubs meanwhile, Manchester City are a dud because of their looming expulsion from Europe, while Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all lack a sporting project for a player of Havertz’s caliber. Liverpool, meanwhile, doesn’t match his playing style.

This all means that there’s a decent chance that Germany’s golden boy may end up staying at Leverkusen for another season. If no one matches Bayer’s evaluation this summer, they are determined to hang onto the player and sign him onto a new contract with increased pay and a high release clause. This would guarantee both Havertz and Bayer more security, as the upcoming transfer window is expected to be chaotic because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus.

Where does that leave Bayern? Well, not getting Havertz in 2020 wouldn’t be the end of the world, given the way Thomas Muller is playing at the moment. As stated before, it would probably be best for everyone if Havertz stayed where he is for another season, and makes his big move in 2021. Wherever that may be.

Update

Florian Plettenberg of Sport1 disagrees with kicker’s report.

That’s not true. #Havertz definitely has the courage to face FCBayern, and has known many Bavarian protagonists for years. A transfer to FCB is still possible.

Time is a flat circle.