Kai Havertz has been linked with becoming Karim Benzema’s replacement at Real Madrid, and Chelsea could be powerless to stop it from happening
Kai Havertz has appeared as a surprise target for Real Madrid (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Kai Havertz has been linked with a sensational move away from Chelsea to Real Madrid, who are said to hold “concrete” interest in a player “admired” by Carlo Ancelotti.
This is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who also understands that the Blues would be open to discussing Havertz’s move to the Spanish capital.
It comes as no surprise that former Chelsea boss Ancelotti sees something in Havertz, as their paths have crossed on many occasions throughout recent years. During the Italian’s season in charge of Bayern Munich, Havertz was enjoying a breakout campaign with former club Bayer Leverkusen, and since then the pair have been on opposing sides when Chelsea have faced Real Madrid in the Champions League in the last two years.
If Karim Benzema decides to bow out from La Liga in favour of a multi-million pound offer from Saudi Arabia it will leave the Spaniards with a conundrum, and the Chelsea attacker could be the solution.
Should the story play out in such a manner, then even new manager Mauricio Pochettino could be powerless to stop the 23-year-old from parting ways with Chelsea. This is due to the historical feelings Havertz has about playing for the Spanish giants, as told by Marca back when completing his move to Stamford Bridge in 2020.
At the time, the Spanish outlet reported that Real were prepared to make Havertz a new signing at the club. The Leverkusen man had even turned down offers from German champions Bayern Munich to achieve his dream transfer, but in the end the Covid pandemic made those plans impossible to fulfill.
As a result, Havertz’s representatives sat down with Chelsea and struck up a deal to move to the Premier League instead.
Since then the Germany international has proven he can strike in the biggest moments, scoring Chelsea’s winner in the 2021 Champions League Final, though like the rest of his teammates suffered in front of goal last campaign.
Still, as the club’s top scorer in 2022/23, there may be enough to suggest he can live up to his potential as central attacker. Whether that is at Chelsea or Real Madrid, only time will tell.
Soucre: football.london