Former Chelsea and Spurs Flop Rejects Leeds United Offer: What Should The Whites Do | OneFootball

If a recent report from the German outlet BILD is believed to be true, Leeds United have their eyes on Timo Werner. But they are not alone in the hunt, with fellow Premier League newcomers Burnley also keeping close tabs on the RB Leipzig attacker. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur star has suitors in Italy, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia; however, he has so far rejected all the approaches, including the English duo.

The 29-year-old German international progressed through the academy ranks of his boyhood side VfB Stuttgart before securing a first-team status since the 2013-14 season. Leipzig snapped him up in June 2016, and after four scintillating campaigns, Werner completed a sensational £47.5m transfer to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2020.

But it did not work out for him at Chelsea, even though he was part of their Champions League-winning squad. Leipzig brought him back for £25.3m two years later, and the attacking ace revived his form to some extent before leaving for London once more, but to represent Spurs this time around.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Timo Werner of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate Brennan Johnson after scoring his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Why Leeds United Must Not Give Up The Chase

Although he might have hoped for a redemption story in his second stint, Ange Postecoglou only deployed him as a bit-part option during his one-and-a-half-year loan stint. Werner is now back at his parent club, but the gaffer, Ole Werner, does not fancy him in his plans. With his current deal at Red Bull Arena set to expire next summer, the versatile forward must accept a fresh challenge elsewhere for regular game time.

Leeds United made a strong start to their season by defeating Everton, but suffered a dreadful 5-0 defeat against Arsenal. A defeat against the struggling Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup further highlights their shortcomings, particularly in the attacking third, despite roping in Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.

While Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin and Joel Piroe are likely to challenge each other for the ‘number 9’ spot, Werner’s flexibility across the frontline, along with his experience in English football, would inject more firepower upfront. Having made him an outcast, Leipzig should settle for a minuscule fee with less than 12 months remaining on his contract, and the Whites, regardless of the initial rejection, must not give up on him before Monday’s deadline day.

His lack of finishing and wastefulness up top has been a concern for years, but the work rate, pace and directness he offers would help Leeds in the transitions. Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison do not have the quality and consistency to attune to the grind and demands of the Premier League football, and Werner, with his energy and experience, could become ‘third time lucky’ in England.