You don’t have to speak to many people at Bayer Leverkusen to hear nothing but praise for Kai Havertz. The standout forward for Arsenal is arguably the finest product of the club’s academy, known for producing numerous talented players in a highly competitive youth market.
While Havertz’s record achievements might have been overshadowed by teammate Florian Wirtz during their undefeated title-winning season, Wirtz was originally a Köln player discovered before making his Bundesliga debut.
Havertz, on the other hand, became part of the Leverkusen setup at just 11 years old. As a 15-year-old, he was considered undersized and often struggled against tougher opponents in youth matches. However, the academy staff supported him through those formative years, a fact that he remembers fondly. Before joining Arsenal in 2023, Havertz reached out to former mentors from his youth to seek their advice on his development.
When the club welcomed him back on social media, it was heartfelt. Havertz fought hard for a starting position, playing over 150 games and securing his transfer to Chelsea for $100 million. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, his departure didn’t allow for a proper farewell. Prior to the Champions League draw, sporting director Simon Rolfes expressed hopes that he would finally get the chance to bid Havertz farewell at their stadium.
“Look who’s back in Leverkusen! 🥹 Welcome home, Kai! 🖤❤️” — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 10, 2026
This homecoming is significant for Havertz, yet he doesn’t intend to take it easy against his former club.
“It is amazing [to be back], I have seen a lot of familiar faces,” he remarked. “It feels like yesterday I was here but it was six years ago. I played here for 10 years. I’m here to win the match with Arsenal and take the victory home. My family is with me; my son and wife have come from England.”
Havertz’s return comes at a critical time as he adjusts to his role in the Arsenal setup. Having left Chelsea during a turbulent period and the strain of ongoing injuries, Havertz felt an emotional weight during his transition, particularly noted during his Champions League-winning moment at Chelsea. He expressed feeling burdened, akin to carrying a heavy backpack on his shoulders, indicating the struggles he faced during his adjustment to a new environment.
Initially, Mikel Arteta didn’t envision Havertz as a center forward, but as injuries affected the team dynamics, he adapted into a position more suited to his skills, thriving in a mobile role akin to the false nine. Recently, he has reshaped his game, aligning his style closer to the playmaking second striker persona he embodied at Leverkusen.
On the brink of a Champions League knockout tie, both Leverkusen and Arsenal know Havertz’s penchant for performing under pressure.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal Viewing Information
- Date: Wednesday, March 11
- Time: 1:45 PM ET
- Location: Bay Arena, Leverkusen, Germany
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Bayer Leverkusen +480; Draw +300; Arsenal -182
