Chelsea star Kai Havertz has provided his verdict on the Blues' January business that saw eight players arrive at Stamford Bridge. Following on from a hefty summer spending spree, co-owner Todd Boehly continued his lucrative purchases by forking out just under £300million to welcome the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and a handful of others to the club.
Both Fernandez and Mudryk have joined with lofty price tags on their shoulders, a similar expectation that Havertz had to deal with. The German international arrived for £75.8million from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, and in a recent interview with The Guardian, explained how the pressure of the price tag was a 'big thing' for him to face.
So, following the arrivals of Fernandez and Mudryk, who cost a combined £168million up-front, he sympathised with his teammates and insisted that they must be given time to find their feet. "For me the price was a big thing," Havertz said. "I was Chelsea’s most expensive player. I don’t understand how so much money is paid but it is normal in football: look at our recent transfers."
READ MORE: Kai Havertz gives honest verdict on £195m Chelsea signings amid Lionel Messi and Neymar claim
He added: "A dozen players arrived since the summer; it’s not easy. Enzo and Mudryk have come for a lot of money and they’re only [22], you know? You cannot expect them to be Neymar straight away. It’s like me: it takes time."
While major incomings were the transfer deals stealing the headlines, a consistent Chelsea figure in Jorginho departed the club after a four-and-a-half-year stint in west London. The Italian was expected to leave the club in the summer at the end of his contract, but the Blues were able to receive a £10million fee for his services from London rivals Arsenal.
Explaining the decision to allow his exit, Chelsea boss Graham Potter said: "Sometimes you have to make a decision as a football club, with his contract situation, and the opportunity to secure something more for his family, it was one of those that was a win, win, win. From my perspective, I wish him well. He's a top professional and a top person."
Jorginho clearly had an influence on Potter despite his short spell working with the former Napoli man. While for Havertz, who spent over two years playing with him, he clearly developed a strong relationship with Jorginho which in turn left him stunned by his sudden departure.
Havertz told The Guardian: "I played with Jorginho for two and a half years, he changed next to me, I loved being with him and then…
"He calls me one evening and says: ‘I’m gone.’ I was like: ‘What the? How is this possible?’ This is how quick things change. It’s a human thing. You just have to accept it, it’s football."
READ NEXT:
Thomas Tuchel picks out the Chelsea star he wants first in Bayern Munich raid
Kai Havertz issues honest Thomas Tuchel verdict as Bayern Munich eye huge Chelsea raid
Havertz, James, Sterling: Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Aston Villa clash
Reece James and Ben Chilwell react as Chelsea teammate signs new contract before summer exit
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
