Kai Havertz ‘forfeited seven-figure bonus’ to force through Chelsea transfer

Kai Havertz turned his back on a seven figure bonus that was owed to him by Bayer Leverkusen to seal his Chelsea move.

The German was linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge for weeks before his £72.7m deal was finalised last week.

That could rise to over £90m should the various performance related add-ons be paid.

And a major breakthrough in negotiations between Leverkusen chiefs and Chelsea’s director Marina Granovskaia came courtesy of Havertz himself.

The 21-year-old had a clause in his contract that entitled him to 10 per cent of his transfer fee when he left the BayArena.

Chelsea were prepared to meet Leverkusen’s hefty asking price and Havertz helped speed up the transfer by passing up the bonus owed to him, reports Sport Bild.

The forward has instead decided to receive part of the amount if he achieves some of the more challenging add-ons included in his Chelsea transfer.

Leverkusen will receive separate payments if the Blues qualify for the Champions League or win the Premier League title.

Havertz, who has signed a five-year deal worth £300,000-a-week, is eyeing the No 29 shirt in west London.

And Granovskaia, who was integral to the deal, believes she has helped secure the services of one of the best young players in the world.

She said: “Kai is one of the best players of his age in world football, so we are very happy that his future lies at Chelsea.

“He has proven pedigree in one of the best leagues in Europe, he plays for the German national side and he is an exciting, dynamic talent.

“We are delighted to be able to add his versatility and quality to the squad before the season begins.”

Havertz could make his Chelsea debut when they take on Brighton at the Amex on Monday.