“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.”
Bayer 04 player Carlotta Wamser is among the five candidates in the vote for NRW Professional Footballer of the Year 2025. Fans can vote online up to 9 November. In addition to the Germany international, Florian Wirtz is also one of the five nominees. The awards ceremony will take place in Düsseldorf on 28 November.
Show moreAfter Bayer 04's 4-3 win at 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Matchday 7 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, Jonas Hofmann, Alejandro Grimaldo, Christian Kofane and Martin Terrier spoke to Werkself-TV...
Show moreWerkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-3 win at Mainz 05 on the 7th matchday of the Bundesliga 2025/26...
Show moreAn important victory in an emotional, hard-fought away match: Bayer 04 claimed a 4-3 win at 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Bundesliga Matchday 7. Alejandro Grimaldo with a brace and Christian Kofane scored for the Werkself in an impressive first half, with Martin Terrier also getting on the scoresheet late in the second half on his comeback after nine months out injured.
Show more