MusaLeeds United have walked away from a sensational deal to sign former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur star Timo Werner, according to reports in Germany.
Daniel Farke has made no secret of the need to add more firepower to his forward line, a fact which was highlighted by Leeds’ abject performance in defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the most profligate in Leeds’ attack, after missing a glorious chance to score on his Leeds debut. However, the Whites struggled to break down a resolute Owls defence in a worrying display.
Leeds have been linked with a string of forward players in recent days, including Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia, as they look to make the final additions to Farke’s squad. Now, reports in Germany have suggested they enquired about Werner before walking away from a potential deal.
Leeds United enquired about Timo Werner deal
According to a report in the German publication Bild, Leeds United were one of two Premier League sides who enquired about a possible deal to bring Werner back to England, alongside Burnley.
However, the size of Werner’s contract proved to be a stumbling block, as the Germany international looks set to spend the season on the sidelines with RB Leipzig.
The report states: “Although the transfer window is still open for another six days, Werner has so far been unresponsive to any inquiries. And yet, there have been some: According to BILD information, there were even two interested Premier League clubs – Burnley FC and newly promoted Leeds United.
Before adding: “Werner also let the two-and-a-half-year offer from sister club New York Red Bulls slip away, and the MLS transfer window has been closed since August 21, meaning a move is off the table.”
The report concludes: “Instead of the Premier League and the Big Apple, Werner’s prospects now lie in the stands. The former DFB star is too expensive (currently on a €10 million annual salary [approximately £165,000 per week]) and no longer fits the bill, it is said. RB Leipzig has announced internally that they no longer want to use him.”
Werner would not give Leeds what they need in attack
Whilst Werner comes with a huge pedigree in European football, having once demanded a transfer fee of £45 million when joining Chelsea, he is not the forward Leeds need to fire them to Premier League safety.
No one can doubt Werner’s work ethic, but his overall record of 12 goals and 15 assists from a total of 87 Premier League games, according to FotMob, shows that he lacks the killer instinct in the final third.
Werner predominantly plays off the left wing, which would put him in direct competition with new signing Noah Okafor, another reason not to bring him to Elland Road.
Having been linked with the likes of Bilal El Khannouss and Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa, Leeds appear to have moved on from Werner. Ultimately, this appears to be the right decision for the club.
Musa
Kwaghterna Garshagu
