Liverpool could reportedly make a move to sign highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, who has taken the Bundesliga by storm over the last two seasons.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Leverkusen before making his senior debut in 2016.
The Independent have claimed that Leverkusen want “upwards of £80 million” for Havertz, but that’s double of what Jürgen Klopp and co. are willing to pay for the young German, so it remains to be seen how this potential transfer saga develops further in the summer.
Havertz has made over 120 appearances for the senior team, scoring 33 goals and making 24 assists in all competitions.
His current contract with Leverkusen expires only in 2022. The German international has made 7 appearances for the national team, scoring once.
Kai Havertz – A top option for Liverpool, but expensive
Kai Havertz is one of the most talented players to come out of German football in recent years. The midfielder made a major impact in the 2018-19 season, scoring 20 goals and making 7 assists in 42 games for his club, helping his side to fourth in the Bundesliga so far this season.
Capable of playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or as a wide forward, Havertz could be a good signing for most of Europe’s elite clubs.
Havertz is an all-round player who can pass – with both feet – hold the ball, shoot at goal, and dribble. His good dribbling ability and vision, as well as his confident finishing has grabbed the attention of several clubs, including Liverpool.
Liverpool, who have been dominant in the 2019-20 season, and have looked very comfortable, brushing aside most teams. A player like Havertz would add great quality to the squad and offer more options to Klopp, although he’s not guaranteed starts week in week out.
He is not a player that would be suitable in Fabinho’s deep-lying midfield role, so that position is ruled out. Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson have been in good form, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has performed well when called up to the starting XI.
The Reds also have Naby Keita, who hasn’t quite hit his stride at Anfield due to injuries, but could come good. But Havertz could possibly be used in the wide role as a backup to Mohamed Salah.
Signing a player for a fee in excess of £60 million would require him to start often, which looks unlikely in the current Liverpool midfield.