Transfer Centre

Bayern Munich drop out of Kai Havertz race

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 03 August 2020

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness rules the Bundesliga champions out of the running to sign the highly-rated Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has confirmed that the Bundesliga champions will make no attempt to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz this summer.

Havertz has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe following his performances during the 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign, as the 21-year-old notched up 12 goals and six assists in the German top flight.

The playmaker has naturally been linked with moves elsewhere, with Chelsea supposedly leading the race for Havertz's signature, and Hoeness has recently admitted that Bayern cannot sanction a transfer for Havertz after splashing out £40m on Leroy Sane.

Speaking to German newspaper FAZ, Hoeness said: "I am sure that after Leroy Sane there will be no major transfers this year. This has nothing to do with the quality of Havertz. We all think he is a very, very good player.

"But in the corona period after a transfer of almost €50m (£45m), one of €70-80m (£63m-72m) or more, I can't imagine making unless we secure counter-financing through player sales."

Havertz has just under two years left to run on his current deal with Leverkusen, who take on Rangers in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.