After months of speculation, what feels like years at this point, Chelsea have finally confirmed the signing of German superstar Kai Havertz. He joins Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva as the big additions at the club this summer.
Chelsea Sign Kai Havertz
He’s here!
Welcome to Chelsea, @KaiHavertz29! 🔵#HiKai 👋
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 4, 2020
World Record Deal for a German
When Havertz arrives at Stamford Bridge, he will carry with him the weight of being the most expensive player ever from his country. Chelsea have paid €80 million plus €20 million in potential add-ons, which was less than Bayer Leverkusen demanded originally.
The German side were adamant that no offers less than €100 million would be accepted, but Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia managed to work the performance-based clauses into the deal. Now, the Blues will only have to pay more if Havertz succeeds in west London.
The 21-year-old put the whole world on notice with his play this season, but the Premier League is a whole different animal. He will be kicked, bruised and battered, just like Eden Hazard was, and just like Christian Pulisic is now.
He must adjust to life in England fairly quickly with such a price tag, although Lampard will not rush him. And why should he when he has Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and others in attacking midfield as well?
Havertz Adds to Chelsea Youth Revolution
With all the academy products who came into the club last year, plus Pulisic, Timo Werner, and Hakim Ziyech, it’s clear Lampard is revamping the squad to suit his needs better and mount a title challenge.
Havertz comes into a midfield that already has star midfielder N’Golo Kante, the likely Chelsea Player of the Year in Mateo Kovacic, another strong candidate in Mount, and a rising star back from injury in Loftus-Cheek.
They also have Ross Barkley and Jorginho, but neither are likely to be in Chelsea’s future, even though Lampard likes Barkley. With a 4-3-3, the boss’ preferred formation, there are three slots available for five players who deserve to be starters, which shows the exciting array of options available at his disposal.
Without any of these new signings, the Blues finished fourth and nearly won the FA Cup in Lampard’s first season, so this side looks an entirely different proposition.
What Was Said?
Havertz, delighted to be a Chelsea player, said: “I am very happy and proud to be here, For me it is a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can’t wait to meet all the players and the trainers. Yeah, I am very happy to be here!”
The German wonderkid will look to drive his new team to the Premier League trophy, and he may just do it. For now, Chelsea fans, just breathe a sigh of relief, because Havertz is officially confirmed.
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