The German FA National Team Director, Oliver Bierhoff, believes “the future belongs to Kai Havertz”, with the 21-year-old set for his Chelsea medical in the coming days.
Havertz has now been granted permission to leave the Germany national team’s base and travel to London to complete his move to Stamford Bridge.
It’s been one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer window so far, but it finally looks as if it is coming to its conclusion.
The reported fee for Havertz is £70m, plus add-ons, after Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen finally reached an agreement for the talented German midfielder.
Bierhoff, who played 70 times for Germany between 1996-2002, believes the future belongs to Havertz as he prepares for life in the Premier League.
Speaking to dfb.de, the German FA’s official website, Bierhoff said: "The future belongs to Kai - in the club and in the national team.
“Of course, we would have preferred it if he could have fully concentrated on the national team at the start of the new international season.
“But we are aware of the importance for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Kai, and we want to deal with it responsibly. At the same time, it is an honour and recognition for German football when young German players are in demand at top international clubs.
“From the experience these players have in collecting abroad - both in terms of sport and personal development - can also benefit the national team. We were in constant contact with Rudi Völler (Bayer Leverkusen sporting director) in order to find a good solution together.”
In addition, Leverkusen chief Rudi Voller has effectively confirmed the Havertz to Chelsea deal.
"In order to clarify matters for a possible move to the Premier League club FC Chelsea, Kai Havertz left the Stuttgart team quarters of the German national soccer team on Friday," a statement reads. "This step took place after consultation between Bayer 04 and the DFB management."
"I exchanged ideas with Oliver Bierhoff and Jogi Low over the past few days," Voller said. "The DFB's understanding of the special situation of the player and also for us as a club.
"We are grateful to the national coach that Kai can now sort things out with our support on site in London."
Havertz was an unused substitute as Germany drew with Spain in the Nations League on Thursday evening, with Chelsea striker Timo Werner scoring for the Germans.
