Catch Him If You Can: How Timo Werner Became Germany's Most Wanted Player
May 15, 2020
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - MARCH 10: Timo Werner of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League match between RB Leipzig v Tottenham Hotspur at the Red Bull Arena on March 10, 2020 in Leipzig Germany (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
RB Leipzig's home game against Freiburg on Saturday is likely to attract more interest than usual, and not just because it will be among the first football matches to be broadcast live around the world after two months of stasis in Europe's five major leagues.
With Leipzig forward Timo Werner reportedly inching closer to a move to Liverpool by the day, Freiburg's trip to Red Bull Arena will be an opportunity for fans of the European champions—and his other reported suitors—to take a closer look at him.
Having found the net 27 times in all competitions this term, Werner is already enjoying his most prolific season. And at 24, the rocket-propelled former Stuttgart prodigy appears ready for the next phase of his career. But despite the rapid speed at which his career has moved since he joined Leipzig in 2016, the road towards the top has not been without its bumps.
Born in Bad Cannstatt, the Stuttgart district where the city's major football club plays, and with football in his genes courtesy of his father, Gunter Schuh, who had played for local sides Ludwigsburg and Stuttgarter Kickers, Werner always seemed destined to become a footballer. Schuh was a right-winger in his playing days, and he helped the young Werner to hone his athleticism by taking him on punishing training runs around the vineyards that cover the hillsides to the east of the city.
Werner joined Stuttgart from local amateur team TSV Steinhaldenfeld at the age of six and came through the ranks at the club's academy at the same time as his future Germany team-mates Joshua Kimmich (with whom he attended high school) and Serge Gnabry. His goalscoring exploits in Stuttgart's youth teams were the talk of the club.
"Every weekend, the youth department at VfB would produce internal bulletins on the performances of our various teams," Frieder Schrof, Stuttgart's former head of youth development, told Kicker (h/t World Soccer). "Next to Timo's name, there invariably would be a three, a four or a six in brackets. Even as a little boy, he was the one who scored the most goals."
Werner's emergence inevitably kindled memories at Stuttgart of Die Jungen Wilden (The Young Wild Ones), which was the nickname given to the band of homegrown youngsters—Mario Gomez, Sami Khedira, Serdar Tasci, Christian Gentner and Andreas Beck—who helped to propel VfB to the Bundesliga title in 2006/07.
Werner made his first-team debut in a UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv in August 2013 at the age of 17 years and 148 days, making him the youngest player in the club's history. While he was inevitably rough around the edges, his searing pace (he has been clocked running 100 metres in 11.1 seconds) immediately caught the eye.
"You could see from the beginning that he was extremely fast over the first few metres," says Oliver Trust, a German football journalist and author of VfB ein Leben lang (VfB a Lifetime Affair). "Of course, he wasn't on the same level as today because he sometimes couldn't put his speed and his finishing together. But you could see that he had a gift in terms of his speed. Expectations were high."
Werner made 34 first-team appearances in his first season as a professional and the records continued to fall. The teenager became Stuttgart's youngest goalscorer, the youngest player to score two goals in a German top-flight game and the youngest player to make 50 Bundesliga appearances (a record that has since been broken by Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz).
But while Werner could scarcely have asked for more first-team experience over his three seasons at Mercedes-Benz Arena, the wider context was problematic. Stuttgart were going through a period of instability that would see Werner play under six head coaches during his time at the club. Die Roten flirted with relegation in each of his first two seasons before succumbing to the drop in 2015/16.
Stuttgart's forward Timo Werner reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match VfB Stuttgart vs Hanover 96 in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany on September 27, 2014. AFP PHOTO / THOMAS KIENZLE
RESTRICTIONS: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLIN
Werner may have been Stuttgart's golden boy, but his status did not protect him from criticism during his final campaign at the club. After heading in a last-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Hoffenheim early in the season, he was accused by head coach Alexander Zorniger of being "so busy blowing kisses to the crowd...that he forgot to focus on scoring a winner."
He finished the campaign having scored only six goals in 33 league appearances, but where such inconsistency on the part of a young player might have been pardoned in a more settled environment, there was no room for such indulgences at struggling Stuttgart.
"He was 17 when he started to play for the pro team, and they were in big trouble," Trust says. "He was the wonder boy, and they put all their expectations and hopes on his shoulders. It was too heavy for him. He needed stability and consistency, but Stuttgart couldn't give him that. After a while, he knew he had to leave in order to survive as a footballer."
Enter Leipzig. Freshly promoted from the 2. Bundesliga and flush with owner Red Bull's cash, the club spent €10 million to secure Werner's services in June 2016. With a fellow Swabian, Ralf Rangnick, as sporting director and a commitment to fast, aggressive, counter-attacking football already in place, the club was a perfect fit for Werner, who scored 21 goals across all competitions in his first season, tripling his previous best tally.
Werner's goals helped Leipzig to finish second in the Bundesliga, enabling them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. But on a personal level it was an immensely challenging campaign.
Red Bull's role in Leipzig's rise up the German leagues encountered ferocious resistance from opposition fans, and when Werner blatantly dived to win a penalty—which he then scored—in a 2-1 win over Schalke, it turned him into Public Enemy No. 1. He eventually issued a mea culpa but not before initially trying to dodge responsibility for his actions in a mealy-mouthed post-match interview. Opposition fans were in no mood to forgive.
"His performances suffered in the weeks after that because he was booed in every opposing stadium," recalls Andreas Hunzinger, who reports on Leipzig for Kicker. "Loudly booed. It affected him mentally."
International duty provided no respite, with Werner roundly and continuously jeered by fans in Nuremberg after coming on to make his competitive senior debut for Germany in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against San Marino in June 2017. But he proved his value to the national cause later that summer at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, teeing up Lars Stindl for Germany's winning goal in the final against Chile and coming home with the Golden Boot.
KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Timo Werner of Germany looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Korea Republic and Germany at Kazan Arena on June 27, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Despite being an ever-present in Germany's group-stage debacle at the FIFA World Cup, Werner continues to enjoy the trust of head coach Joachim Low and has become a central figure in his attempts to shift the team on to more of a counter-attacking footing.
After failing to reach 20 Bundesliga goals in his second and third campaigns at Leipzig, Werner has gone up a level this season under new coach Julian Nagelsmann. He had already equalled his best figures for goals (21) and assists (seven) in the league when the season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic and had become a much more rounded player, as demonstrated by his display in Leipzig's 8-0 demolition of Mainz in November, when he scored three goals, made three goals and had a hand in two more.
"He had to learn to combine," says Hunzinger. "He's got better tactically and technically, and he's improved his understanding of the game. I think the biggest improvement has been seeing where the space on the field is for him to run into."
Two-footed and a nerveless finisher, Werner has also benefited from playing in a new position under Nagelsmann. Having spent the bulk of his career prior to this season playing either wide on the left or at the point of the attack, he has often been deployed as a support striker behind either Yussuf Poulsen or Patrik Schick. The role affords him the freedom to stray into his preferred territory on the left flank and in the inside-left channel while also enabling him to get into goalscoring positions in the penalty area.
"I'm playing in a slightly different position as a kind of No. 10," Werner said. "That helps me a lot. I've got a lot of freedom. You often have to wait a long time for your chance and stay patient. But I've developed in that regard."
Away from the pitch, Werner avoids the cameras and is regarded as an educated and level-headed character, having completed high school during his time at Stuttgart on the insistence of his mother, Sabine Werner, whose maiden name he adopted. Teetotal and tattoo-free, his only documented vice is a weakness for doner kebabs.
He might just have to get used to the limelight, though. Because although the stadium will be empty when he walks out to face Freiburg on Saturday, he will be the centre of attention.
RB Leipzig Sporting Director Plays Down Timo Werner Transfer Rumours
Mar 4, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Timo Werner of RB Leipzig converts a penalty for the winning goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 19, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)
RB Leipzig's sporting director Markus Krosche has played down speculation linking star forward Timo Werner with a switch away from the club in the summer.
Werner is rated as one of the best strikers in European football, having inspired Leipzig's Bundesliga title charge in 2019-20 with his prolific goalscoring. Unsurprisingly, rumours linking him with a number of the continent's most high-profile clubs have followed.
Speaking to Bild (h/t Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror), Krosche said Leipzig have yet to receive any offers for the Germany international and added he's unsure as to why Werner would move anyway:
"There has been nothing at all. But it's normal that Timo gets into the focus of other clubs. He's playing a very, very good season and scores very, very often
"Timo has a long-term contract and there are not many things that favour him leaving us. We play UEFA Champions League, we have a super coaching team and we still want to achieve a lot."
According to Simon Hughes and Raphael Honigstein of The Athletic, Werner would be keen to move to Liverpool in the summer if there was serious interest in him. A transfer could reportedly be completed for the 23-year-old for £51 million if a deal was struck before April.
As Goal's Ronan Murphy relayed, speaking to Sky Sports, the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was coy on possible interest in the striker:
Jürgen Klopp on Timo Werner, to Sky Sports: "I prefer that when players speak about us they are positive, rather than saying 'that's the last club I would ever go to.' From that point of view it's obviously nice, but that's all - there's nothing else to say about it." #LFC#RBL
In the report, it's suggested that both Barcelona and Manchester United have also registered their interest in Werner. Hughes provided more details about Werner's future on social media:
State of play with Timo Werner. He has offers. He’s waiting for Liverpool. March will be a crucial month, not least because his release clause needs to be triggered by April. March usually when Klopp finalises his plans and Edwards makes his moves anyway. https://t.co/DMLTRmddnA
The list of illustrious clubs interested in the German is no huge shock, especially after the campaign he's enjoyed under the guidance of manager Julian Nagelsmann.
As Squawka Football relayed recently, not only is Werner finding the back of the net often, he's developing a creative side to his game too:
In typical fashion, Timo Werner scores his 27th goal of the season minutes after we decided to tweet his complete record. 🙃
In the Bundesliga this season, he's been on target an impressive 21 times in total. Although Leipzig have not been at their fluid best lately, they remain in contention for the title, with just three points between themselves and leaders Bayern Munich.
Leipzig are undoubtedly a team moving in the right direction, as they consistently make smart signings in the transfer window and develop players brilliantly. Werner himself has been able to benefit from that process.
However, they have a long way to go before they are talked about in the same bracket as some teams reportedly interested in their star forward. With that in mind, it's easy to see Werner being enticed by the prospect of a move to a European heavyweight come the end of the campaign.
Timo Werner Feels He 'Might Be a Good Fit' at Liverpool Amid £30M Clause Report
Feb 25, 2020
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 22: Timo Werner of RB Leipzig during the German Bundesliga match between Schalke 04 v RB Leipzig at the Veltins Arena on February 22, 2020 in Gelsenkirchen Germany (Photo by Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Timo Werner has again fuelled speculation he could join Liverpool this summer, saying there's reason to think he "might be a good fit" under Jurgen Klopp amid reports his release clause is £30 million.
It was previously reported the Germany international could be available for €60 million (£50.2 million), but Sport1 (h/t MailOnline's Sam McEvoy) said his release clause is in fact worth around £20 million less.
Werner toldWelt(h/t Goal's Sean Wilson) he felt Klopp is the "best coach in the world" but suggested his priorities lie with RB Leipzig for the time being:
"Our game in London has brought Liverpool [links] to the media. [They] have Jurgen Klopp, the best coach in the world who is German. There are a lot of things that would suggest that my playing style might be a good fit [in the system at Liverpool].
"It's hard to think about where to play next year if you want to step on the gas here and now.
“During the winter break, we made the mistake of being too concerned with the championship. We put ourselves under too much pressure."
The 23-year-old scored the only goal of the game when Julian Nagelsmann's side beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash earlier in February.
It was after that victory that Werner first hailed European champions Liverpool as the best on the planet and told Viasport's Jan Aage Fjortoft he was "very proud" to be linked with the Reds:
.@TimoWerner: – Liverpool are the best team in the world at the moment, and when you're linked with that team, it makes me very proud.
Klopp has responded to Werner's praise and said his club want players "who want to fight for their spot," per Metro's Tom Olver:
"We have these players and whoever wants to join us, needs to have exactly this kind of attitude.
"That CV is not easy to fulfill. The age group of our team is good in the moment. In two or three years maybe it'll be different, but for the moment, it's good.
"It depends on what you want—is it a good age for selling? Probably not. But is it a good age for performing? Yes. So there's a lot of things we have to think about. It's an interesting period."
There's no guarantee the German forward would start ahead of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane if he were to join the current squad at Anfield.
Werner scored and assisted when Leipzig dominated Schalke 5-0 at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday, bringing his record up to 27 goals and 11 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this term:
Liverpool signed Naby Keita from Leipzig for £52.75 million in 2018, paying a premium to secure the transfer one year prior, though the fee depended on Leipzig's league finish that season, per the Liverpool Echo.
The reported cost to sign Werner could prove much more valuable should Liverpool firm up interest in a move, with Werner seemingly eager to keep alive those links with Anfield.
Julian Nagelsmann Warns Timo Werner over 'Difficult' Liverpool Move Amid Rumours
Feb 21, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Timo Werner of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 19, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has warned Timo Werner he will no longer be the main man if he moves to Liverpool.
Werner appeared receptive to the idea of joining the Reds when asked about speculation linking him with a move to Anfield:
.@TimoWerner: – Liverpool are the best team in the world at the moment, and when you're linked with that team, it makes me very proud.
"It would be more difficult for Timo Werner to play at Liverpool than at Leipzig.
"He will not get the status he has here in the first few years, and I tell him that too.
"The boys are seeing how we are developing and how much potential we have. We don't leave anyone, who helps us, defenceless."
Sport Bild's Christian Falk reported earlier in February the Premier League side are keen on the German:
Our story: Jürgen Klopp is interested in @TimoWerner for @LFC. The striker can leave @DieRotenBullen because of a clause for about 60 Million Euros in summer @SPORTBILD
Werner was asked about the rumours after he fired Leipzig to a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
The 23-year-old dispatched a penalty to give his side an away goal in north London (U.S. only):
Given he could reportedly be available for €60 million (£50 million), he could be something of a bargain in today's market.
In January, Nagelsmann spoke to the Bundesliga's official website about Werner. The coach praised the striker's searing pace, which makes him incredibly potent on the counter-attack, and he also noted Werner's improvement at combining with his team-mates and playing more effectively against teams that look to sit back and defend.
Liverpool already have a forward line comprised of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, and the trio's effectiveness and chemistry in the final third has fired the Reds 22 points clear in the Premier League after 26 matches.
Breaking into that lineup would be difficult, but Salah and Mane are likely to miss a significant portion of next season because of their involvement in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, which will run in January and February.
Having a player of Werner's calibre as cover will help minimise disruption to the Reds' season and would ensure he'd still receive plenty of game time, too.
What's more, it could also be an option to deploy Firmino in a slightly deeper role behind him—thereby allowing all four stars to feature in the same side—if the occasion calls for an attacking lineup.
Dayot Upamecano Says 'Clubs Love Me' Amid Barcelona, Manchester City Rumours
Feb 18, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has fuelled the transfer speculation surrounding him, saying he's loved by clubs and will make a decision on his future in the summer.
The Frenchman made the comments in an interview with RMC Sport ( h/t Football Espana's Colin Millar): "As I said, first I focus on RB Leipzig and then about what I intend to do, but there are clubs that love me. I will speak well with my agents and my parents at the end of the season. And we will make the right decision."
The 21-year-old has been one of Leipzig's key players this season, playing a huge role in their bid to win the Bundesliga title. He was heavily involved in the recent draw against Bayern Munich:
Dayot Upamecano vs Bayern
37 passes 81% pass accuracy 2 dribbles won 2 tackles won 4 interceptions 8 clearances 2 aerials won
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) February 9, 2020
He's long been touted as one of the top defensive talents in Europe. Upamecano is a strong and willing tackler with a solid aerial presence, but he's also a remarkable passer.
His skill set can lead to some incredible numbers:
Upamecano is a truly incredible player.
A center back who pulls strings like a regista, has the athleticism of a fullback, and has exceptional defensive qualities. pic.twitter.com/eoXjjj78QI
His younger compatriot Ibrahima Konate upstaged him at times last season and had a good start to the 2019-20 campaign, but since he went down with an injury in October, Upamecano has once again assumed his role as the team's defensive leader.
He's been a part of the Red Bull family since 2015, rising through the ranks at Liefering, Salzburg and Leipzig. Upamecano has yet to make his full national team debut, but that only seems a matter of time.
RB are enjoying their best season yet and sit just one point behind Bayern in the Bundesliga title race. They have also advanced to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, where they'll face Tottenham.
Bremen's Japanese forward Yuya Osako (L) and Leipzig's French defender Dayot Upamecano vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig vs SV Werder Bremen, in Leipzig, eastern Germany on February 15, 2020. (Photo by
Upamecano will be suspended for the first leg of the tie with Spurs, and with Konate and Willi Orban sidelined, Leipzig face a defensive crisis going into the match.
A summer transfer seems likely for Upamecano, with his contract set to run out in 2021. If he doesn't commit to a new deal, Leipzig will likely opt to move him before his transfer value drops due to his short-term contract.
Julian Nagelsmann Talks Rejecting Real Madrid, Future Premier League Interest
Feb 14, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) head coach Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann has said he decided to reject a move to Real Madrid because he wanted to continue improving as a coach.
Speaking to Melissa Reddy of The Indepedent, Nagelsmann admitted Real Madrid approached him about becoming manager ahead of the 2018-19 season. Zinedine Zidane had walked away from the club in 2018, having steered Los Blancos to a trio of consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
The German boss said he spoke to key figures at the La Liga giants but decided the move wasn't right for him at that stage of his career:
"It's normal if Real Madrid call you, you think about it. I was surprised at first, I weighed it up and I didn't feel comfortable with a decision to go there. I want to improve. If you go to Real Madrid, there's no time to improve as a manager.
"You don't have a chance to be a better manager, you already have to be the best. I'm not the best now, but I can admit I want to be one of the best in future. If you go to Real Madrid or Barcelona, the fans, the media and the decision-makers don't give you the time to grow into that."
Nagelsmann added that he was concerned about the language barrier, with his knowledge of Spanish not extensive.
The 32-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest managers in world football, having excelled with Hoffenheim before his switch to Leipzig. With Hoffenheim, he pulled the team out of relegation trouble in the 2015-16 season, then steered them to fourth and third in the following campaigns.
He's transformed Leipzig into Bundesliga challengers, and they sit a point behind Bayern Munich ahead of the Week 22 fixtures.
He's been an ever present in German football since being appointed:
137 - On this day 4 years ago, Julian Nagelsmann took charge of his first game in the Bundesliga - he is the only manager to be in charge at a Bundesliga team in each of the 137 games since then in the competition. Evergreen. pic.twitter.com/X2GwuC4NoK
Nagelsmann has also been linked with a switch to English football in the past, and he said the Premier League is something that would interest him further down the line:
"The Premier League interests me as do other clubs in the Bundesliga and La Liga, but I have to improve my Spanish first. I know it's very tough in England. I've been reading the interviews of [Jurgen] Klopp and Guardiola about the intense fixture schedule and the demands on players and staff."
For Nagelsmann, getting Leipzig to the summit of German football will be a big challenge, especially with the might of Bayern Munich to compete with.
However, throughout his career he has outperformed expectations due to smart management and overseeing savvy recruitment. With that in mind, it's no shock he's already desired by so many huge names.
RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams Ruled out of UCL Last-16 First Leg vs. Tottenham
Feb 13, 2020
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Tyler Adams of RB Leipzig Looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 9, 2020 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
RB Leipzig have been dealt a blow ahead of the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Tottenham Hotspur after it was confirmed Tyler Adams will not be available because of injury.
After an injury-hit first half of the season, Adams, 20, had started each of Leipzig's last five Bundesliga games, including Sunday's 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich.
The American midfielder looked set to make his Champions League debut in Wednesday's visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But manager Julian Nagelsmann has now confirmed that Adams has suffered a calf injury that will keep him out of Saturday's match against Werder Bremen and the trip to Spurs:
🗣️ Julian #Nagelsmann on team news: "There's some bad news. @tyler_adams14 pulled his calf yesterday. He will definitely miss Werder and Spurs. Otherwise, there's nothing new to report."
When the last-16 draw was made back in December, the ties that immediately caught the eye were Manchester City's clash with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain's meeting with Borussia Dortmund:
Spurs vs. Leipzig is a hugely intriguing prospect, though.
Tottenham were runners-up in the Champions League last season, but they have endured a tough 2019-20 campaign so far which has led to Jose Mourinho replacing Mauricio Pochettino as manager.
Leipzig, meanwhile, are making their debut in the Champions League knockout stages but will be considered by many as favourites to oust Spurs. However, a recent run of three games without a win in the Bundesliga has seen them drop one point behind leaders and defending champions Bayern:
Previous to that they were on a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions. And in the 2019-20 Champions League group stage, they comfortably topped a pool with Lyon, Benfica and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Mourinho is an experienced operator in the Champions League—he has won it twice in the past—and he will understand the importance of Spurs getting a lead from the first leg at home.
The return leg takes place on March 10 at Red Bull Arena, where Leipzig are unbeaten in nine matches.
RB Leipzig Confirm Signing of Dani Olmo from Dinamo Zagreb
Jan 25, 2020
ZAGREB, CROATIA - DECEMBER 11: Dani Olmo of Dinamo Zagreb celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Dinamo Zagreb and Manchester City at Maksimir Stadium on December 11, 2019 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Luka Stanzl/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)
RB Leipzig have confirmed the signing of Spain international forward Dani Olmo from Dinamo Zagreb.
The Bundesliga club announced the deal on their Twitter account on Saturday:
We're delighted to announce the signing of Dani Olmo from @gnkdinamo! ✍️
The 21-year-old, who left Barcelona's academy in 2014 to move to Zagreb, has been linked with a number of European football's elite clubs, so Leipzig will consider his acquisition a coup in the midseason window.
Olmocaught the eye in theUEFAChampions League this season. While Zagreb struggled and were only able to win one of their group games, the forward impressed with two goals and an assist.
He netted this brilliant volley to open the scoring in the clash with Manchester City, albeit the team went on to lose 4-1:
Olmo's nose for goals, dynamism and versatility unsurprisingly caught the eye of a number of clubs, with the man himselfconfirmingearlier in January that Barcelona showed an interest in signing him.
However, Leipzig have stolen a march on a number of elite teams to bring in the Spaniard. Scouted Football think that working under a manager like JulianNagelsmannwill helpOlmoin his bid to take his game to the next level:
Dani Olmo to RB Leipzig: an intelligent move that strikes a balance between expectation and a pathway.
He'll work within an ultra-competitive set-up and compete to break into a very good team, whilst developing under an extraordinary coach. Big opportunity with big upside. pic.twitter.com/idsCtQv0IQ
It will be fascinating to see how Leipzig use the Spain star, as they are already one of the most potent attacking sides on the continent.
This season,TimoWerner has starred at the point of the attack, grabbing 20Bundesligagoals already. He's been well supported by the likes ofYussufPoulsenand Patrick Schick.Olmowill add even more competition to the forward positions, as well as on the flanks.
The acquisition will be a huge boost to Leipzig in what is shaping up to be a thrilling season. Ahead of Saturday'sBundesligamatches, they have a four-point lead at the top of the German top flight. They will also face Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFAChampions League last 16, with the first leg set for February 19.
Timo Werner: EPL 'The Most Interesting League' Amid Chelsea Transfer Rumours
Jan 16, 2020
Leipzig's German forward Timo Werner reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v FC Augsburg in Leipzig, eastern Germany, on December 21, 2019. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner has spoken of his admiration of English football amid continued speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.
The Germany international has long been one of the most exciting forwards in European football, and although he signed a contract with his current team in August, it's expected he will attract serious interest from high-profile clubs at the end of the campaign.
Speaking to Bild (h/t James Olley of the Evening Standard), Werner said he would be open to joining a Premier League side in the future:
"The Premier League is certainly the most interesting league, you have to say. There is a certain flair to watching the English league and playing there.
"But many Germans have also been very successful in Spain, such as Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil [who both played for Real]. As of now I have no desire to look for a move elsewhere."
Olley reported Chelsea have made the Germany star a transfer target, while he has also been consistently mentioned as an option for Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich have also been linked with the striker, although their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently said Werner is not a player they will be pursuing:
Salihamidzic on Werner contd: “Robert has the ability to move in tight spaces and to find extraordinary solutions with the ball. Timo had space in the system that Leipzig played. The system at RB has now changed, but it is still not as tight at the front as it is with us.”
For any elite club looking to sign a high-class striker, Werner would be an exciting option, as he continues to make encouraging progress in German football.
The 23-year-old's game has matured this season to spearhead a dynamic Leipzig team. They lead the way at the midway point of the Bundesliga season, with Werner on target 18 times in 17 games for his side.
BT Sport looked at some of his best moments from the term up to this point:
• 17 matches • 18 goals • Six assists
Table-topping Timo Werner is taking the Bundesliga by storm this season!
Werner's game is primarily based on surging into space behind the defence, using his speed to get away from markers and finishing. While that remains his most likely route to goal, he's made refinements to other areas of his play this term too.
For teams like Chelsea and Real Madrid, who are frequently faced with deep-sitting defences, Werner wouldn't be privy to that kind of room. As such, it would be interesting to see if he could continue developing his game if he was to make a switch in the coming months.
A January deal is surely unlikely, though, as Leipzig seek to hunt down their first-ever German title. If Werner can maintain his current rate of goalscoring, they have an excellent chance of achieving something special this season.
