Chelsea have been linked with a big-money move for exciting German prospect Kai Havertz. The Blues are currently under a transfer embargo, but by not spending big sums of money for two windows they’re getting a chance to build some resources for the end of the season, where they can look to spend big in order to improve.
They’ve benefitted hugely from the emergence of several young players, not least Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. Both were on loan in the Championship last season but have progressed to Premier League football and England duty.
It’s Mount’s position that would be under threat, should the reports from German newspaper Bild be accurate. It’s expected Havertz will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season and Europe’s big clubs are thought to be preparing bids in excess of £111m.
Havertz is the most exciting prospect in German football right now. At just 20 years of age, he’s already close to 100 Bundesliga appearances and has been capped by his country on seven occasions. He is an attacking midfielder and has been likened to players such as decorated German hero Michael Ballack.
He grabbed 17 goals last season from 34 outings for his side in domestic football, as well as hitting three goals in six Europa League matches. His breakthrough has come by virtue of being given a chance by his parent club, rather than incessantly being loaned out – as is the English way.
Both Mount and Abraham have only broken into the Chelsea side this season because of the transfer ban, but their efforts have seen Chelsea amongst the favourites for a top-four finish in the latest Premier League betting.
Despite German teams relying on bringing youth through, it’s going to lead to their young talent being the subject of big-money transfer speculation. Chelsea will face a huge battle if they’re going to steal Havertz from under the noses of other clubs, with Sky Sports suggesting that Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring. The youngster’s preferred destination is thought to be Barcelona.
Would it be a wise move for Chelsea? After seeing their team unable to recruit, fans will perhaps be expecting them to splash the cash, but perhaps that’s not the right approach. After all, Mount exploded onto the scene earlier this season and maybe the blueprint for success lays in the German game.
Would Mount have had more impact if he’d been afforded the time in Chelsea’s senior team, rather than being loaned out to Derby County? Could he be England’s very own version of Havertz, exciting and touted around Europe’s top clubs?
Whilst it is great to see English clubs linked with top young talent, there are plenty of examples of potential not being realised. Anthony Martial was French football’s biggest diamond when he joined Manchester United but has never truly excelled since his big move.
Maybe Chelsea’s enforced transfer ban could see them buck the trend, bank their £111m and rely on the players they’ve invested not just money in, but also time.
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