Soccer

Timo Werner completes €30 million move back to RB Leipzig from Chelsea

Pacy forward was never able to transfer his scoring feats from German football into the Premier League

Timo Werner returns to RB Leipzig from Germany. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Wire
Timo Werner returns to RB Leipzig from Germany. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Wire
Tue Aug 09 2022 - 19:38

Timo Werner has completed his €30 million (£25million) move back to RB Leipzig from Chelsea.

The Germany forward thanked Chelsea’s fans for voicing their support despite the battles for top form that he faced in west London.

Werner has been in Germany in the last few days to put the finishing touches to his move back to Leipzig, the club he left for Chelsea in 2020.

Chelsea paid €64 million (£54 million) for Werner in 2020, with the 26-year-old playing a pivotal role in the Blues’ Champions League triumph in Lisbon in 2021.

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“Today marks the end of my journey with Chelsea FC,” Werner posted on social media.

“I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent at this special club.

“At this point I would like to express my appreciation for my team-mates, the coaches and staff, and especially for you, the special supporters of Chelsea Football Club.

“I felt so much love and support throughout the last two years and I will never forget how you guys stood behind me in good and in challenging times!”

Werner always found favour with Chelsea fans for his tireless effort and determination to thrive with the Blues.

But the pacy forward was never able to transfer his scoring feats from German football into the Premier League.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel and his staff are understood to have never quite been able to determine Werner’s best role in the German boss’ tactical blueprint.

Werner himself is also thought to have been left frustrated by that disconnect, and those difficulties are understood to have sparked his move back to Germany.

The transfer fee for Werner represents a clear loss for Chelsea, but the Blues will expect that figure to rise given agreed add-ons to the deal.

Werner was understood to rank among Chelsea’s highest wage earners too, and his departure will free up funds to be redistributed elsewhere.

“Timo Werner has completed a permanent transfer to RB Leipzig, returning to Germany after two seasons with Chelsea,” read a Chelsea statement.

“The forward is heading back to the club where he enjoyed four successful years before moving to west London, departing Stamford Bridge for his homeland as a European and world champion.

“The Champions League triumph in Porto represents the highlight of his time with the Blues and he played his part in our success during his first season in England.

“Nobody matched his tallies of 12 goals or 15 assists in all competitions, while only Mason Mount made more appearances for Chelsea in 2020/21.

“In total Werner’s two years at Chelsea come to an end with him having made 89 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals.

“All at Chelsea thank Timo for his contribution to our success over the past two years and wish him well for his future career.”

New owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have once again shown their desire to ensure players do not remain at Chelsea while unhappy or failing to fulfil their potential.

The decision to cut losses on Romelu Lukaku and allow him to return to Inter Milan on loan, coupled with a similar call on Werner, again indicates the new Blues owners’ determination to move the squad forward quickly.

Chelsea have already conducted brisk transfer business to bring in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Cucurella.

But the Blues still need further reinforcements and continue to push hard to pull off yet more deals.

Talks are thought to be continuing on a possible move for Leicester’s Wesley Fofana, with Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong another potential arrival.

Werner’s departure further opens the door for an arrival up front, with Chelsea continuing to weigh up a move for Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Blues boss Tuchel coached the former Arsenal striker at Borussia Dortmund and is thought to be open to a reunion at Stamford Bridge.