Timo Werner, a £45 million Chelsea flop, has been considered by Manchester United for a January move.
Werner, 27, returned to RB Leipzig in August 2022 after two dismal seasons in the Premier League, scoring only 10 goals. Despite his problems, the German striker is expected to return to England when the January transfer window opens, and he might be Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first signing.
Ratcliffe, a former Chelsea season ticket holder, is nearing a £1.3 billion deal to acquire a 25% stake in United, giving his petrochemicals company, INEOS, control of the club’s football activities. One of their first tasks will be to enhance the Red Devils’ recruitment both on and off the field, however Werner would be a risky bet.
After failing to make the grade at Stamford Bridge after joining in 2020, he was transported back to East Germany, where he has yet to revive his career. The 27-year-old hasn’t played a complete 90 minutes of competitive football since May and has been dropped from the German national squad, but Sky Sports reports that United have already inquired about his availability.
While Werner would love to stay in Leipzig until the summer, he is unhappy with his dwindling position under manager Marc Rose. The 57-time senior international did not appear in their 3-1 win against Freiburg on Sunday.
United are looking for another forward to complement £72 million signing Rasmus Hojlund, who has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford as the main man. Anthony Martial’s lack of fitness makes him an untrustworthy backup for manager Erik ten Hag, while Marcus Rashford has stated that he likes to play on the left wing.
Werner can play as a wide forward but prefers to be one of two strikers, giving Ten Hag a tactical advantage. If he joins the Red Devils, he’ll be reunited with struggling ex-Chelsea teammate Mason Mount. It’s unclear if United would want a permanent transfer or a loan, though the latter seems more plausible given their January signing history.
Last season, Ten Hag signed midfielder Marcel Sabitzer and forward Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season, while former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loaned Odion Ighalo in 2020. Werner’s arrival at Old Trafford would raise eyebrows, as would all of theirs.
