Liverpool’s transfer for Timo Werner has the potential to fall through. If so, Chelsea may represent Werner’s only way out of Leipzig during the summer window.
The league leaders have asked for more time to mull over a move for the 24-year-old. Thus, Werner’s dreams of playing in the Premier League may depend on Chelsea’s pursuit. The Blues are one of three English teams in the market for the Leipzig striker, but are the most realistic landing spot for Werner.
It’s no secret—the Blues are going to be one of the most active clubs in the transfer window this summer. Chelsea is looking to elevate itself to the next level and signing Werner would do just that. While London may not be the German’s ideal destination, Chelsea offers the most plausible landing spot if Werner truly wants to leave Leipzig after four years.
The three Premier League suitors with a realistic chance at signing Werner are Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. Due to the financial repercussions of Coronavirus, Liverpool’s pockets are running a bit thin. Further, it’s difficult to predict whether or not Werner would win a starting spot over one of Liverpool’s front three—Mane, Salah or Firmino. Meanwhile, he’d slip right into the match day XI week in and week out at Chelsea.
Manchester United may be unable to afford such a lucrative move if it continues its big money pursuit of Jadon Sancho. Consequently, Chelsea has the opportunity to meet Leipzig’s asking price and secure Werner’s signature. The Blues can offer significant playtime to the 24-year-old, as well as meet his wage demands and transfer fee. They may be the only team who can.
If the Blues come knocking, Werner’s side should entertain the idea of coming to west London. Werner would be the face of a youthful revolution at Stamford Bridge during the club’s return rise to the elite ranks of European football.
In Chelsea’s eyes, a move for Werner makes more sense than other players—like Philippe Coutinho, Declan Rice or Sancho—the club has been linked to recently. Werner provides much needed depth to a striker position that is relatively thin assuming both Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud already have one foot out the door. Werner represents the Blues’ first chance to have a world class goal machine since Diego Costa’s departure in 2017.
Werner to Chelsea makes logistical sense for both sides. However, a move could come down to Werner’s willingness to go somewhere other than Liverpool or his desire to leave Leipzig during the summer window.