Timo Werner: Assessing Which Club the RB Leipzig Forward Should Join This Summer
By Adam Aladay
Timo Werner is one of the most sought-after forwards in European football right now.
The German has been in hugely impressive form this season for RB Leipzig, scoring 27 times and providing 12 assists in just 36 appearances across all competitions to inspire links (unsurprisingly!) with a number of European giants.
With the 24-year-old continuing to attract the attention of a number of clubs, we take a look at which move would actually suit him best as he looks to take the next step in his career...
Barcelona
Barcelona have been on the lookout for a striker for some time, although they did recently pick up the mighty Martin Braithwaite outside of the window due to mounting injury problems.
While Luis Suarez will return from his knee injury before the start of next season, the Uruguayan forward is 33 years old and not getting any younger (because that's not how the ageing process works). The Catalan side are considering a move for Werner to be Suarez's long-term replacement, but he is not their primary target. Instead, a source told 90min in February that Lautaro Martinez of Inter is their number one man.
Barcelona's priorities appear elsewhere, while Werner seems to be favouring a move to the Premier League.
Would he fit? Depends if he's able to dislodge Martin Braithwaite.
Should he join? Not unless he wants to play for a team that clearly has so many issues, and maybe wait a season playing second fiddle to Suarez.
Manchester City
It's been reported that Sergio Aguero could leave Manchester City as a result of their two-year ban from the Champions League, but more recent reports indicate that he is willing to stay. Oh, and Gabriel Jesus has managed an impressive 18 goals and nine assists this season too.
Werner could find himself sat on the bench waiting for opportunities - something he would not want to do. The Leipzig man did name-drop City as one of three Premier League sides he would consider joining - the other two being Liverpool and Man Utd.
If this season has taught us anything about City, it is that they need reinforcements – but defensive ones. They look leaky at the back and Pep Guardiola will be keen to address this before anything else.
Would he fit? Scoring goals and making direct runs in a fluid Pep Guardiola team - you betcha.
Should he join? Unless Sergio Aguero leaves, he won't get the game time he needs.
Liverpool
Liverpool have persistently been linked with Werner in recent weeks, and the Germany international hasn't exactly held back in praising the Reds.
He recently admitted that he is honoured to be linked with Liverpool, explaining: "I know Liverpool is the best team in the moment in the world. When you’re linked with that team it makes me very proud."
Werner would be a fantastic addition and there has also been talk of the Reds buying him before loaning him back to Leipzig for one more year – similar to what they did with Naby Keita. However, the fact of the matter is, Liverpool's current front three are sensational and Werner will struggle to beat them out for a place in the team.
Sure, there's been talk of Bayern Munich wanting Roberto Firmino, but the actual chances of a move like this happening are slim. It has been well established that Liverpool have little intention of breaking up their current front three in order to make new signings - meaning Werner could have to settle for a backup role.
Werner clearly finds the idea of playing for the 'best team in the world' appealing (who wouldn't, really?) but is it the best move for him at this current stage in his career? Probably not.
Would he fit? He sure does love to hype them up.
Should he join? Not unless he wants to fight to displace someone from one of the most menacing attacks in world football.
Chelsea
Chelsea were linked with a whole host of attackers in January as they looked to strengthen their forward line, but ultimately they came away empty handed.
A source told 90min earlier this month that the Blues are on the lookout for a player to rival first-choice striker Tammy Abraham due to their long-standing and very obvious doubts about Michy Batshuayi's quality; while Olivier Giroud could walk away when his contract expires this summer.
The west Londoners are in need of someone like Werner, but they have also been heavily linked with Lyon's Moussa Dembele – a different type of striker.
Would he fit?: As long as it spells the end for Michy Batshuayi at Chelsea.
Should he join?: Werner would be given plenty of minutes at Chelsea, although he would have to compete with Abraham – a player who Frank Lampard is a major fan of.
Manchester United
Timo Werner is fast, he can play on the flank and he can score goals. His all-round ability and style of play make him the exact type of forward Manchester United have been going for under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Werner's release clause is more than affordable for a club like the Red Devils, and the transformation provided by Bruno Fernandes since his arrival – with Solskjaer's men actually looking sharp at the back and lethal in attack – show the impact that just one arrival can have. In fact, United are undefeated in their last 11 games in all competitions.
It remains to be seen whether Odion Ighalo will sign permanently, but this shouldn't change their plans in the transfer market.
A source has told 90min that United are open to making a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane if he were to become available, but the number one priority is landing Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho. With Kane valued at around £150m, and Sancho's valuation not far off that huge sum either, a move for Werner makes sense. A lot of sense.
Would he fit?: As a versatile attacker that knows where the goal is, yes he would.
Should he join?: At 24 and now looking to make the step up in his career, a move to United would benefit both parties.
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