Start digging already: Club boss considers breaking all the rules for Kai Havertz's Bundesliga return
As Kai Havertz receives a warm welcome upon his return to Leverkusen, sporting director Simon Rolfes contemplates breaking the club's policy to bring back the star player. Read on for the latest updates on this potential transfer saga.
Upon his return to Leverkusen, Kai Havertz received an extremely warm welcome. B04 sporting director Simon Rolfes couldn't stop raving about him.Following Wednesday evening's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Rolfes was asked about a possible Havertz comeback in the future and replied: "With Kai, there's always the danger that I'll weaken. He knows that too."For several years now, Werkself has had a rule that specially trained players who became stars in Leverkusen and later joined a top European club should not be brought back, as they would only be of limited help to the club in the autumn of their careers.In Havertz's case, however, Rolfes emphasised that he would be willing to break with this policy if an opportunity arose in the future: "Whenever we talk, I start digging," said Leverkusen's sporting director.Havertz wore the Werkself jersey for ten years. Across all competitions, he made 150 competitive appearances for B04, scoring 46 goals and providing 31 assists. In the summer of 2020, he finally joined Chelsea FC for a transfer fee of just under €100 million, before moving on to city rivals Arsenal in 2023.However, his relationship with Leverkusen's decision-makers and the majority of the fans remains good. This was evident when he came on as a substitute on Wednesday evening, with almost the entire BayArena giving him a standing ovation when he came on in the second half. Havertz had already been given a public send-off on the pitch before kick-off, as this had not been possible when he left in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.According to information from Sport1, the 26-year-old is said to have stayed in the Leverkusen dressing room for a long time after the match. There, he apparently spoke at length with players and officials before an Arsenal coach picked him up so that the Gunners could begin their journey home.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Warm welcome for Kai Havertz at Leverkusen
Upon his return to Leverkusen, Kai Havertz received an extremely warm welcome. B04 sporting director Simon Rolfes couldn't stop raving about him. Following Wednesday evening's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Rolfes was asked about a possible Havertz comeback in the future and replied: 'With Kai, there's always the danger that I'll weaken. He knows that too.'
Breaking the rules for Havertz
For several years, Leverkusen had a rule against bringing back star players from top European clubs. However, in Havertz's case, Rolfes emphasized his willingness to break with this policy if an opportunity arose in the future. 'Whenever we talk, I start digging,' said Leverkusen's sporting director.
Havertz's history at Leverkusen
Havertz spent a decade at Leverkusen, making 150 appearances, scoring 46 goals, and providing 31 assists. After stints at Chelsea FC and Arsenal, his relationship with the club and fans remains positive.
Emotional return and farewell
During the recent match, Havertz received a standing ovation from the BayArena crowd and had an emotional send-off due to his departure during the pandemic. After the game, he spent time in the dressing room conversing with players and officials before heading home with the Arsenal team.



