“Kai has played for us for ten years including four seasons in the first team. During that time, he’s become an international player and has already made brilliant achievements despite his youth,” declared sporting managing director Rudi Völler. He believes the 21-year-old is “already world class and definitely one of the best players ever to play for Bayer 04. In the next few years, Kai will prove what a great player he is in the extremely demanding English league.”
For sporting director Simon Rolfes, Havertz‘ departure is “obviously a loss in footballing terms. Kai is a wonderful player who deserves his future both in the Premier League and with Germany,” said Rolfes. “He will definitely make it at the highest level in England and provide an impressive example of how young players can develop at Bayer 04 – promoted and shaped in a team with great opportunities and ambition.”
Havertz leaves Leverkusen, where he progressed from the Kurtekotten Academy into an exceptional player the target of nearly all the top European clubs, with thoroughly divided feelings: “I’ve been here so long with so many people – with coaches, teammates, staff and fans – and experienced wonderful things. You don’t just forget that by changing clubs,” said the attacking midfielder. “I’d like to thank everybody at Leverkusen, who have helped and supported me over the ten years, from the bottom of my heart. I grew up here and became an adult here – as a player and also as a person,” said Havertz. “But the time has come for a new start. And I’m looking forward it.”
The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the England U21 international and European champion Jarell Quansah. The central defender joins Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool on a contract to 30 June 2030.
Show moreA striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.
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