Chelsea have confirmed the signing of German striker Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of £47.5m.
The 24-year-old had long been linked with a move away from RB Leipzig, although Liverpool were the expected destination following talks between Werner and Jurgen Klopp – as well as the pair exchanging compliments in the media.
But in early June it was reported that Chelsea had taken the lead, with the Werner agreeing a deal to join the Blues at the end of the season.
How worried should Chelsea’s rivals be about Werner? Five things to know…
- He’s the first German player to score 26+ goals in a single Bundesliga season since Mario Gomez in 2011/12.
- In a 8-0 win over Mainz earlier this season, Werner managed a hat-trick of both goals AND assists.
- No Bundesliga player has more goals and assists combined than Werner (34) this season. Not even Robert Lewandowski.
- German press gave him the nickname ‘Turbo Timo’ due to his speed.
- Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl, who coached him at RB Leipzig several years ago, says he is “a brutal weapon in the right team.”
And now the Premier League side have confirmed Werner’s signing, with the striker linking up with his new team in July subject to a medical, meaning he will miss RB Leipzig’s Champions League campaign having played a key role in the German side reaching the quarter-finals.
Werner will not, however, be able to play for Chelsea until the start of the 2020/21 season, but has the opportunity to train with his new teammates ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Werner spoke of his excitement at joining the London club, planning for a successful future.
“I am delighted to be signing for Chelsea, it is a very proud moment for me to be joining this great club,” he said.
“I of course want to thank RB Leipzig, the club and the fans, for four fantastic years. You will forever be in my heart.
“I look forward to next season with my new team-mates, my new manager and of course the Chelsea fans.
“Together we have a very successful future ahead of us.”
Werner’s excitement was echoed by Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, who dubbed the German one of the most-coveted strikers in Europe, adding to Chelsea’s youthful squad.
“We are very excited that Timo Werner has chosen to join Chelsea,” she said.
“He is a player who was coveted all over Europe and it is no surprise, he has that rare mix of being young and exciting and yet established and proven.
“We can’t wait to have Timo on board, but until then we wish him and RB Leipzig all the best for the rest of this season.”
Werner has enjoyed a wonderful season with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, helping the Saxony club on their quest for a top four finish. In 32 games, the German has scored 26 goals and recorded eight assists – being directly involved in the joint-most goals in the Bundesliga, level with Robert Lewandowski.
The 24-year-old has also been on form in the Champions League, scoring four goals and recording two assists to help Leipzig reach the quarter-final stage.
What next for Chelsea?
Despite the 2019/20 Premier League campaign still being underway, Werner is Chelsea’s second new signing after the club confirmed Hakim Ziyech’s summer arrival in February.
But it appears as though the Blues may not stop there. Chelsea are also being linked with a big-money move for Bayer Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz, who has enjoyed a record-breaking season in the Bundesliga, while also recently celebrating his 21st birthday.
Another player being linked to Chelsea is Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, with the position being one of the Blues’ weakest this season.