Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz has left Germany’s training camp to fly to London ahead of a club-record move to Chelsea.
Havertz departure was confirmed by Leverkusen on their verified Twitter handle on Friday.
“Kai Havertz has left the Stuttgart headquarters of the German national team to clarify matters surrounding a potential move to Chelsea. This took place after a discussion with Bayer 04 and DFB leadership.”
The 21-year-old is set to join Chelsea after an agreed package of €80m plus €20m in add-ons on Wednesday, according to Sky in Germany.
Havertz was in Stuttgart with Germany’s squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures, having been an unused substitute as they drew 1-1 with Spain on Thursday night.
Also Read: Musa Targets 3rd Goal Of Season In 24th Game For Al Nassr Vs Al Ittihad
It remains unclear whether Havertz will be able to rejoin Germany’s squad for Sunday’s Nations League match against Switzerland.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director and Germany’s 1990 World Cup winner Rudi Voller said: “I exchanged ideas with Oliver Bierhoff and Jogi Low over the past few days.
“They understand the special situation of the player and also of us as a club.
“We are grateful to the national coach that Kai can now sort things out with our support on site in London.”
And according to former international and Germany national team director Oliver Bierhoff: “The future belongs to Kai – in the club and in the national team.
“Of course we would have preferred if he could have fully concentrated on the national team at the start of the new international season.
“But we are aware of the importance for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Kai and want to deal with it responsibly. At the same time, it is an honour and recognition for German football when young German players are in demand at top international clubs.
“The experience these players collect abroad – both in terms of sport and personal development – can also benefit the national team. We were in constant contact with Rudi Voller in order to find a good solution together. ”
Chelsea’s previous club-record deal was the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6m in 2018.
Earlier this week, Leverkusen’s head coach Peter Bosz said 21-year-old Havertz is unlikely to train for the club again as he nears a move to the Premier League.
Havertz looks set to become Frank Lampard’s seventh summer signing, following the arrivals of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Xavier Mbuyamba.
As part of the deal, Chelsea have offered Leverkusen the chance to sign one of their summer arrivals, Sarr, on loan for the season.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now