Kai Havertz: What Happened?

Kai Havertz, once hailed as one of the world's most exciting upcoming talents and Germany's brightest prospect in years, has experienced a dramatic turn in his career since joining the Premier League. His journey from being a world-class talent to a player facing controversy and high expectations has been a fascinating one.

We will take an in-depth look at Kai Havertz's rise through the ranks of German football, his successful tenure with Bayer Leverkusen, and his subsequent challenges in the Premier League. 

Image: Reuters

Early Life and Youth Development 

Kai Havertz was born on June 11th, 1999, in Aachen, Germany, into a family deeply passionate about football. His father, brother, and grandfather were all football enthusiasts, which naturally influenced young Kai to follow in their footsteps. His grandfather, Richard, even served as the chairman of a local club called Almanya Mariadorf. At the age of four, Kai joined the Mariadorf Academy, where his exceptional talent became evident. He quickly made a name for himself, often playing with peers two years older than him. 

However, Kai's journey with Almanya Aachen, the biggest club in the region, was short-lived. Not because he lacked skill or potential, but because his performances had already attracted the attention of scouts from larger clubs. 

The Move to Bayer Leverkusen 

At just 10 years old, while playing for Almanya Aachen's under-12 team, Kai Havertz delivered a remarkable performance against a team coached by Jurgen Klopp. Despite his side losing 8-3, Havertz scored a hat-trick and caught the eye of scouts. The coach of the opposing team, Lusin Sliki, recognized Havertz's immense potential and convinced him and his family to make the move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2010. 

At Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz's rapid progression continued. He began to excel in a left-footed playmaker role, drawing comparisons to the likes of Lionel Messi. A youth coach even dubbed him "the young German Messi." Despite his early success, Havertz faced a physical obstacle as he was one of the smallest kids in the Leverkusen academy at the age of 14 or 15. However, he overcame this challenge while playing for the under-17 team and played a pivotal role in helping Leverkusen win the German under-17 title in 2016, scoring 18 goals in 26 games. 

Kai Havertz's remarkable performances earned him the Silver Under-17 Walter Medal, an accolade given to the best 17, 18, or 19-year-olds in Germany, joining the ranks of illustrious names like Manuel Neuer, Antonio Rüdiger, and Toni Kroos. A few years later, he secured the Gold Under-17 Walter Medal, cementing his status as a young talent to watch. 

Image: Getty Images

Bundesliga Debut and Records 

After his impressive displays in the 2016 under-17 championships for Germany, Kai Havertz outgrew academy football and was thrust into the deep end. He made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen's senior squad in the 2016-17 Bundesliga campaign, becoming the club's youngest-ever Bundesliga debutant at just 17 years and 126 days old. In the same season, he also became the youngest goal scorer for the club in the Bundesliga. 

Havertz even featured in Leverkusen's Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Atletico Madrid. However, he missed the return leg because it coincided with his exams, highlighting his commitment to academics alongside his football career. 

Overall, Havertz finished the season with four goals and six assists in 24 Bundesliga games, an impressive feat for a teenager in his first professional season. In the following 2017-18 campaign, he solidified his position in the team and became a regular starter, often occupying the right-wing and number 10 positions. Havertz's potential was undeniable as he became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to reach 50 appearances at just 18 years and 307 days old, surpassing the record set by his future teammate, Timo Werner. 

Breakthrough Seasons and Accolades 

The 2018-19 season marked a turning point in Kai Havertz's career. He emerged as a clinical finisher, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 42 games. His prolific form earned him the title of the highest-scoring teenager in a single Bundesliga campaign, a remarkable achievement. Additionally, Havertz was named the runner-up for the German Footballer of the Year award, narrowly losing to Marco Reus but making a significant impact at just 19 years old. 

In the 2019-20 season, Havertz continued to impress, notching 18 goals and nine assists in 45 games. He achieved the milestone of becoming the youngest player in the Bundesliga to reach 100 appearances and also served as one of the youngest captains for Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 20. During this period, Havertz attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. 

Image: PA

The Premier League Move 

Despite offers from top European clubs, Kai Havertz decided to join Chelsea, under manager Frank Lampard, in the summer of 2020. The transfer fee initially stood at £62 million but could rise to £71 million with add-ons. Havertz's move to Chelsea was highly anticipated, and expectations were sky-high. 

In his first season with Chelsea, Havertz managed to score nine goals and provide eight assists in 45 games. His performances were commendable, especially considering the higher level of competition in the Premier League compared to the Bundesliga. Notably, Havertz etched his name in Chelsea's history by scoring the crucial goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City, securing a 1-0 victory for the Blues. 

The 2021-22 season saw Havertz improve his individual statistics, tallying 14 goals and six assists in 47 games. While his performance was solid, it fell short of the lofty expectations set for him. 

Challenges and Controversy 

The 2022-23 season marked a significant downturn in Kai Havertz's career. His goal-scoring contributions dwindled, with only nine goals and one assist in 47 games. Chelsea, as a team, struggled in the Premier League, finishing 12th, which compounded the challenges faced by Havertz. 

One of the key factors contributing to Havertz's struggles was the uncertainty surrounding his best position. His versatility had been an asset, but it became a liability as he was deployed in various roles – as a number nine, a false nine, on the flanks, and even in midfield. The change in his position, coupled with the team's overall poor performance, led to his lack of consistency. 

Image: Getty Images

The Move to Arsenal and Revival Hopes 

In the summer of 2023, despite interest from Real Madrid, Kai Havertz made a surprising move to Arsenal for approximately £65 million. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed unwavering faith in Havertz's abilities and publicly supported him. However, Havertz's struggles continued at Arsenal. 

In the 2023-24 season, Havertz's confidence appeared to wane as he missed several straightforward chances and displayed a lack of enthusiasm on the pitch. In 12 games, he managed only one goal and one assist, with those contributions coming in high-frequency games. 

Kai Havertz's journey from being a promising talent to a Premier League challenge has been a rollercoaster ride. His early success with Bayer Leverkusen showcased his immense potential, but the transition to the Premier League has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. The change in his position and a lack of consistency have raised questions about his role within teams. 

Despite his struggles, Havertz remains a player with enormous talent and untapped potential. Finding his ideal position and regaining confidence will be key to his revival. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are hoping to be the catalysts for this resurgence, but the road ahead remains uncertain. Havertz's journey serves as a reminder that even the most promising talents can face challenges and setbacks in their careers, and it will be intriguing to see how he navigates this phase and potentially returns to the world-class form that once defined him.