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SportsHavertz and Brandt return to Bayer Leverkusen for individual training
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Bayer Leverkusen welcomed back two former stars, Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt, for individual training at the BayArena on Tuesday. Havertz, now 27 and playing for Arsenal, returned to his boyhood club to prepare for the new season after Germany's early exit from the 2026 World Cup. Brandt, 30, is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer and is using Leverkusen's facilities to maintain fitness while seeking a new club, with reported interest from Spain and England. Leverkusen's official social media posted photos with the caption 'Back to the roots!' Havertz made 150 appearances for Leverkusen before his €80 million move to Chelsea in 2020, while Brandt played 215 times for the club from 2014 to 2019.
Source report
Hupu Football News | July 22nd
Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen experienced a special reunion this Tuesday, as two former stars—Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt—unexpectedly appeared on the training ground of the BayArena for individual training sessions.
Leverkusen's official social media shared photos of the pair training, with the caption: "Back to the roots! Kai and Julian trained individually in Leverkusen today. Great to have you with us." In the images, both players were smiling and appeared to be in good spirits.
Havertz: Preparing for the New Season
Now 27 years old, Havertz currently plays for Premier League champions Arsenal. He is making personal adjustments in preparation for the upcoming season. Prior to this, Havertz represented the German national team at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. However, Germany performed poorly in the tournament, losing to Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32 and exiting in the first knockout round. After the World Cup, Havertz chose to return to Leverkusen—where his professional career began—to prepare for the new season.
Brandt: At a Career Crossroads
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Brandt is at a crossroads in his career. He parted ways with Borussia Dortmund this summer, ending a seven-year spell with the Black and Yellows. Currently, Brandt is still searching for a new club, with reports suggesting interest from clubs in Spain and England. The 2014 World Cup winner returned to Leverkusen, evidently hoping to maintain his fitness using his former club's training facilities.
A Special Connection to Leverkusen
For Leverkusen, the return of Havertz and Brandt holds special significance:
- Kai Havertz joined the Leverkusen youth academy in 2010, was promoted to the first team in 2016, and before his €80 million transfer to Chelsea in 2020, he made 150 appearances for Leverkusen's first team, scoring 46 goals and providing 31 assists.
- Julian Brandt played for Leverkusen from 2014 to 2019, making 215 appearances for the club and scoring 42 goals.
Source: Sport1
Posted in Shanghai | Reads: 185
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虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
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Havertz and Brandt Return to Bayer Leverkusen for Individual Training