The formula for happiness is very simple for Timo Werner. “I’m happy when I play and score goals,” said the international soccer player recently. And because that was hardly the case recently, he now has to “take care of it, and the other things will come”.
Werner is no longer happy at Chelsea, which makes it all the more tempting for him to return to his former oasis of well-being at RB Leipzig. The possible transfer coup of the Saxons is being planned. According to a Sky report, talks between those responsible for the Bundesliga club and the English Premier League club are in full swing. Supposedly Werner was ready to give up his salary. The “Leipziger Volkszeitung” had previously reported that RB club boss Oliver Mintzlaff had been in contact with Werner for a long time.
National player in change fever
One thing is clear: the attacker will also talk to national coach Hansi Flick before making a decision. The same applies to the national players Julian Draxler and Thilo Kehrer, who are on the sidelines at Paris Saint-Germain. Or for goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who is about to be transferred from Arsenal FC to Fulham FC in England. David Raum may have dialed Flick’s phone number and talked to him about his move to Leipzig.
Less than four months before the World Cup in Qatar (November 21 to December 18), the change fever broke out among some national players. Mostly because the pros fear for their World Cup tickets. “We need players who are in rhythm,” Flick clarified: “We have absolutely no time to improve anything.”
Due to the very short preparation time this time, match practice will be a central selection criterion. That’s why Draxler, who far too often only has the role of spectator in the Paris offensive spectacle with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, only has the change as a way out. Draxler and Kehrer were only allowed to train in a separate group when PSG started training – a clear signal from coach Christophe Galtier.
Kehrer recently denied rumors that he had already agreed on a transfer with interested Sevilla FC. He will continue to focus on Paris for the time being. With Flick, the Kehrer, who can be used flexibly in defense, was almost indispensable – but the same applies to everyone: no playing time, no World Cup ticket.
Werner wants to play again and be happy
“I should play more to be in good shape for the World Cup and have a chance to play,” Werner agrees. And score as many goals as possible. That worked outstandingly in his successful time in Leipzig, 93 goals in 158 competitive games prove this. At Chelsea, scoring goals is much more difficult, which also has something to do with his bank role. In Romelu Lukaku (to Inter Milan) a storm competitor has left the Blues, but in Raheem Sterling (from Manchester City) a new one has joined. But for a change to RB some hurdles have to be overcome.
First of all, coach Thomas Tuchel has to position himself clearly as he plans with Werner in the coming season. A change would only be considered if he considers him to be dispensable. Then Leipzig would have to compete against well-funded competitors – Juventus Turin, Newcastle United and even Real Madrid are said to be interested. A loan with a purchase option, which is certainly preferred by Champions League participants, is unlikely to meet with much approval in London.
Chelsea paid 53 million euros for Werner in 2020, the club wants to get this amount back if possible – but Leipzig is unlikely to be ready for that. In addition, Werner would certainly blow up the internal salary structure even with a partial waiver. A swap deal with RB central defender Joško Gvardiol, in which Tuchel is said to have a strong interest, does not seem to be an issue at the moment.
Either way: Werner wants to play again and be happy. “Timo needs encouragement and support,” says Flick. The national coach will closely monitor the current transfer period until September 1st.
