Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards needs to rethink his stance on Kai Havertz.
The London Evening Standard’s Reds correspondent, David Lynch, suggests that the transfer guru is unlikely to make a move for the Bayer Leverkusen ace in the coming summer transfer window, namely due to the “ridiculous” price tags that are being attached to the versatile 20-year-old.
The Daily Mirror has reported that Leverkusen will aim to receive upwards of £70m for the 20-year-old, who has been an electric presence during his time in Germany.
He has already made 139 appearances for the club, having developed within their youth system, and has scored 38 goals and registered 30 assists.
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Havertz has also won seven caps for Germany, and has captained Leverkusen twice this season.
His versatility is exceptional – he can play in central midfield, attacking midfield, on the right wing, and as a central striker – and he offers just about everything one would need from a genuinely creative talent.
Havertz has 10 goals to his name this season, plus eight assists, and he could well be a natural fit in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Indeed, his compatriot’s success relies on versatility; his front three often dovetail beautifully, swapping flanks, going through the middle, and even dropping off to help the midfield.
That Havertz offers the ability to play centrally and on the flanks should be a boon to both Edwards and Klopp.
Of course, the price tag could well be eye-watering but his stats are superb too; he averages 2.6 key passes per game, plus a passing accuracy of 87.1%, per WhoScored.
Only Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s superb right-back, has a higher rate of key passes in the Premier League, with 2.7.
Havertz is a creative outlet, a goal scorer, and a dazzling dribbler when given the chance.
Former Germany international and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has given Havertz a glowing recommendation, too, telling Sport1 that he is “exceptional”, and a “top player” already.
Edwards ought to rethink his stance, and try to get this deal over the line this summer.
Meanwhile, this Liverpool flop could be on his way in the summer!