Postecoglou’s Verdict Seals Striker’s Fate at Tottenham | OneFootball

Timo Werner and Tottenham: A Failed Experiment?

Tottenham’s Decision to Move On

Timo Werner’s time at Tottenham Hotspur appears to be over before it ever really got started. The club has opted against triggering the €12m (£10.1m) buy option in his loan deal, as reported by TEAMtalk. This comes as little surprise given his underwhelming contribution, with just one goal and three assists in 27 appearances.

As TEAMtalk states, “Tottenham Hotspur have pulled the plug on a winger Ange Postecoglou previously destroyed and the star’s future could now lay elsewhere in the Premier League.” It is a damning assessment of Werner’s second spell in North London, a move that initially raised eyebrows given his struggles in the first half of the season.

Postecoglou’s Harsh but Fair Assessment

Werner’s performance levels have left much to be desired, and Postecoglou has not held back in his critique. After a particularly poor showing against Rangers in the Europa League, the Australian was blunt in his post-match assessment.

Photo: IMAGO

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo, he’s a German international,” Postecoglou stated. He continued, “I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

Tottenham’s manager has made it clear that he demands a certain level from senior players, and Werner has simply not met that standard. Injuries have played a part in his inconsistent form, but even when fit, he has failed to make a significant impact.

Future in the Premier League or MLS?

With Spurs unwilling to sign him permanently, Werner will return to RB Leipzig at the end of the season. However, his future in Germany is far from secure. As TEAMtalk reports, “After confirming Spurs won’t sign Werner to a permanent deal, Plettenberg suggested it’s by no means guaranteed Werner is welcomed back at RB Leipzig where his contract will have one year remaining.”

The striker is attracting interest from Major League Soccer, particularly New York Red Bulls, given their links with Leipzig through the RB umbrella. However, there is also reported interest from other Premier League clubs, meaning Werner’s time in England may not yet be over. TEAMtalk confirms that “his camp are receiving enquiries from other Premier League clubs,” though it remains unclear whether any top-flight English side will take the gamble on him.

Photo: IMAGO

Werner’s Struggles and the Road Ahead

Werner’s return to England has not gone as planned. While his time at Chelsea was inconsistent, his goal record was still respectable. At Tottenham, he has looked like a player devoid of confidence and far removed from the explosive forward who once terrorised Bundesliga defences.

With Leipzig’s managerial situation uncertain and Spurs cutting their losses, Werner faces an important summer. Whether he stays in Europe or makes the move to MLS, his next step will be crucial in determining whether he can reignite his once-promising career.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The decision to move on from Werner is the right one. His loan spell has offered little in terms of productivity, and the club cannot afford to carry underperforming players in such a competitive environment.

Postecoglou has a clear philosophy—he demands energy, aggression, and end product from his forwards. Werner has not delivered any of those consistently. The fact that an 18-year-old may have been a preferable option in the Europa League speaks volumes.

However, some may argue that Spurs never played to his strengths. At his best, Werner thrives in a counter-attacking system where he can use his pace to stretch defences. Tottenham’s approach, which often requires more composure in tight spaces, has not suited him. That said, elite players adapt, and Werner simply has not done enough.

If another Premier League club takes a chance on him, it will likely be a mid-table side looking for a cheap attacking reinforcement. For Werner himself, MLS could be an attractive option, offering him a fresh start in a league where his pace would still be a major asset. Either way, Tottenham fans will feel little remorse over his departure—this was a gamble that never looked likely to pay off.