Bayern Munich out on Kai Havertz (for now)

The persistent rumors that Bayern Munich would attempt to bring in Bayer Leverkusen ace Kai Havertz have once again appeared to hit a roadblock. A €100 million impediment to be specific.

Photo by INA FASSBENDER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Per a report by Sport Bild, Bayer Leverkusen is refusing to back down from its nine-figure asking price this summer and instead is opting to roll the dice that the world’s financial distress will lessen in the summer of 2021. If Die Werkself is correct, it will have a good chance to secure the €100 million-minimum that it is looking for on Havertz, who is considered one of the best young players in the world.

In addition, another year with Havertz would likely give Bayer Leverkusen a good chance to qualify for the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League season, which would generate even more opportunities for revenue.

Sport Bild indicated that the lofty cost will preclude Bayern Munich from being a player for Havertz this summer as the club’s pursuit of Leroy Sane will likely eat up a big chunk of an already-thinned out summer transfer budget.

Havertz’s current deal with Bayer Leverkusen expires at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season.

BFW Analysis

The rampant speculation regarding Havertz’s willingness to move on and Bayer Leverkusen’s desire to max-out his sale price seems to change daily. Given the global financial uncertainty, nothing is set in stone for any transfer.

In addition to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid has also been closely linked to Havertz, but Real is also reportedly enduring some financial distress of their own. If true, this report from Sport Bild would potentially lay out a soft-landing transition for Havertz in Bavaria, should the two sides eventually agree on a move.

If Havertz moved to Bayern Munich in the 2021/22 season, he could use his versatility to capture minutes at striker, attacking midfielder (second striker), or at either wing, while the club slowly begins the ramp-down process on the careers of Thomas Müller (30) and Robert Lewandowski (31). Despite the surplus of quality players expected to be competing for time at those positions next summer, Havertz’s ability to seamlessly slide into a number of roles could lessen any unnecessary roster strife.

While both Müller and Lewandowski have been superb this season, Bayern Munich is no doubt cognizant of their respective ages as it puts together the strategic vision for the next generation of players to carry the club. If Bayern Munich follows this timeline, the club could have a true passing of the torch as youngsters and mid-career players like Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Benjamin Pavard, Serge Gnabry, Niklas Süle, Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, and (potentially) Sané and Havertz would form a new core group for the roster.