It is not often that you can say losing money on a 24-year-old Germany international who scored the winning goal in the Champions League final just two years ago is the right move. Much was expected of Kai Havertz when he arrived at Stamford Bridge - the term 'generational' was thrown around with ease - and there could still be much to come.
However, at Chelsea there is the feeling that this could be the right moment to part ways. There have been flashes of Havertz's talent. None of his teammates scored more goals in 2022/23 and nobody made more appearances. He was relied upon.
However, with nine goals and inconsistent outings leading the line with no better option, the former Bayer Leverkusen star never cemented himself as the answer and never found the position to thrive and make his abilities indisputable.
He has performed in big moments and experienced success at Chelsea but perhaps club and player have mirrored each other in stature, potential and performance in many ways. For better and for worse. And perhaps for the moment, with no Champions League football to offer the Blues can offer little to him. too.
More crucially, Havertz has reached the final two years of his contract. A pivotal moment in Chelsea contracts moving forwards with the club hierarchy hoping to see deals extended or players parted with at that point.
Such a stance certainly could have certainly saved Chelsea some recent headaches in the form of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and even the Mason Mount saga that is playing out among others. There are more players than the club would like heading into the final 12 months of their deal within the next week.
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With Havertz, it would be difficult to argue he deserves better terms, and also that other clubs can offer a more appealing prospect in the immediate future. The Blues are set to see Nicolas Jackson arrive as a forward and football.london understands they have agreed a deal with Arsenal worth £65million for Havertz.
Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech could be players to depart in the next week who also have their contracts end in 2025, while the club are believed to be open to the departure of Conor Gallagher. The likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Levi Colwill also have deals set to expire in 2025.
While Havertz's time at Chelsea may not be deemed a resounding success, there have been enough trophies for both parties to have found memories. There will have been frustration on both sides too, and ultimately parting ways may have been the easier to deal to do rather than negotiating a new contract.
It's a positive step in that it is not a deal that will drag on for weeks, months or years. It's a sign that the Blues can work ahead of schedule, as they must do so to avoid situations like this summer with a plethora of players due to see the contracts expire in 2024. Of course, last year's sanctions will have had a knock-on effect, but the Blues are acting quickly this summer to resolve it.
Such a deal sets Chelsea's platform moving forwards in a positive way. Selling to a Premier League rival is the cloud that could overshadow the progress, but the Blues remain in a reality where their competitors are the candidates who can help them claim back the money they have spent on transfers.
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