Berlin (AFP) – Former Chelsea forward Timo Werner has moved to MLS franchise San Jose Earthquakes from RB Leipzig, the German club announced on Thursday. Werner struck an agreement with Leipzig to end his contract six months early, allowing for the move.
“Timo Werner is and remains an undeniable part of the success story of RB Leipzig,” the club’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schaefer, said. “We wish him all the best in the MLS and the USA, both professionally and personally!”
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The 29-year-old joins San Jose on a contract that runs to June 2028, making him the second high-profile German international to sign for an MLS outfit, following Thomas Mueller’s August move to Vancouver Whitecaps. “To have a player of Timo’s caliber coming in is simply outstanding for the club and the community. I believe he’ll offer us quality on the field, experience, and leadership,” Earthquakes sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said.
After scoring 28 Bundesliga goals with Leipzig in a breakout 2019-20 campaign, Werner moved to Chelsea. Despite winning the Champions League in 2021, Werner endured a difficult stint at Stamford Bridge and was often criticized for his wayward finishing. He returned to Leipzig in 2022 and had a season-and-a-half-long loan spell at Tottenham but could not recapture his form.
After returning to Leipzig in the close season, he made only three Bundesliga appearances this season. “The last few months have been challenging for me but I’ve learned a lot and will take that with me for the future,” Werner said.
Werner will continue to train in Leipzig before moving to the US in mid-February, ahead of the start of the MLS season. With 113 goals in 216 appearances across all competitions, Werner leaves Leipzig as the club’s record goalscorer. Werner played 57 times for Germany, scoring 24 goals, but has not been called up for international duty since June 2023.
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