According to a recent report by The Evening Standard, Manchester United have identified Bayer 04 Leverkusen attacker Kai Havertz as a back-up option if they are unable to reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jadon Sancho this summer. The same source has also claimed that Sancho remains the Red Devils’ top target in this off-season. Still, Dortmund’s £100m plus price-tag could be a considerable stumbling block which might see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turn his focus to Leverkusen’s Havertz, who is being valued no less than £90m.
Havertz’s Impressive Rise At The BayArena In Recent Seasons
The 20-year-old has struggled to maintain his high standards from the previous campaign but has still managed to perform at a high level as the chief attacking midfielder in Peter Bosz’s starting XI during this season. The German whizkid has been involved in 34 matches for the Bundesliga outfit this term, netting ten goals and providing eight assists across multiple competitions. Even though Havertz has improved his assists total from last season, yet he has struggled to be as lethal in terms of goal-scoring as he was in the previous campaign when he registered 20 goals in 42 appearances.
The Aachen-born playmaker has averaged 1.6 shots, 2.1 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per game in the German top-flight and European football this season which highlights his growing influence at the Bay Arena in the attacking third of the pitch (stats via whoscored). At such a young age, Havertz has already made an impact at the international level after earning seven senior caps for the German national side while finding the back of the net once for his country in the process.
Maybe a summer switch to Old Trafford could provide him with a bigger platform to showcase his talents and stake a claim in Joachim Low’s squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals after the competition got postponed until the end of next season because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The German International Add To Solskjaer’s Team?
Havertz can use his quickness and agility to beat his marker in the final third. He has displayed remarkable composure and ball-control when attempting to make runs towards the opposition penalty area. The German is also a technically-gifted footballer who has a good football IQ that makes him a constant threat for the opposition defenders. He is also not shy of working hard for the benefit of his side and has all the skillset that Solskjaer usually looks for in his midfielders.
Havertz could turn out to be a great summer signing for the Red Devils if they can convince the promising youngster to make the switch to the Theatre of Dreams when the transfer window reopens later this year. He will not only add more goals and assists to the Man United attack but also increase competition for places within Solskjaer’s squad.
Will Recruiting Havertz Be A Wise Move For The Red Devils?
The possibility of Havertz linking up with Bruno Fernandes and forming a productive attacking partnership will be a mouth-watering prospect for anyone associated with the Mancunian giants. The German sensation could also serve as an ideal long-term replacement for Juan Mata, who is on the decline as he edges closer towards the end of his playing career.
Havertz’s acquisition will enhance the overall quality of Solskjaer’s squad and might even help them compete for multiple trophies in the years to come. Therefore, the Norwegian head coach would be wise to orchestrate a big-money move to sign the Leverkusen rising star ahead of the new season.
