The name Timo Werner needs no introduction to soccer fans around the world. For years, fans and analysts have adored his incredible acceleration, his hard work and his tremendous scoring ability.
In the youth ranks, Werner developed into a strong and prolific goal scorer that eventually led him to joining the first team of his hometown club VfB Stuttgart in 2013. By the time Stuttgart was relegated from the Bundesliga in 2016, Werner joined another Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig that summer and changed his career trajectory.
From 2016 to 2020, Werner was dynamic and arguably one of the best players in the Bundesliga. In all competitions, he racked up 95 goals during that period of his career. He also earned a spot on the German national team and made the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
But his 2019-20 season with Leipzig proved to be the best of his career. He became Leipzig’s all-time goalscorer, he scored a career-best 34 goals in all competitions and was on the Bundesliga’s Team of the Season. He then made the move to Premier League side Chelsea in June 2020 and five years later, his career is completely different.
The Chelsea move was disappointing, he hasn’t appeared on the national team since 2023 and his second tenure with Leipzig has been interesting. In January 2024, Werner was loaned to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and eventually stayed for a season-long loan for the 2024-25 season. While Tottenham did win the UEFA Europa League this season, Werner had one goal all season and eventually returned to Leipzig to end the loan.
Recently, however, a German publication called BILD reported that Werner is no longer in the club’s future plans. What is worse is that no other club has really shown interest in the striker this summer. Except, one Major League Soccer squad has and they are trying everything to secure him.
The New York Red Bulls are considered a sister club to Leipzig and both clubs have had players that played for both of them. United States men’s national team member Tyler Adams is one and another is New York captain Emil Forsberg. Forsberg even appeared on “This is MLS” two weeks prior and spoke highly of Werner.
“We would be more than happy to have him,” Forsberg told the show’s crew.
Initial reports suggested that he was set to join New York. Since then, both sides are still in negotiations and the wage dilemma seems to be what’s holding it back. New York offered Werner a certain amount for a few years, but he is looking for more money in the contract.
This leaves Red Bulls fans with one question. Will the German forward come to Harrison and play for the Red Bulls?
On paper, it’s not a bad idea. The team is full of former Bundesliga personalities such as manager Sandro Schwarz, forward Eric Choupo-Moting, defender Alexander Hack and Forsberg. Playing under a coach and with players that were familiar with the Bundesliga and now the MLS can help Werner’s transition become smoother.
Werner moving to the United States could also help the Red Bulls in their pursuit of another MLS Cup run. New York currently sits eighth in the Eastern Conference and is in danger of falling out of a playoff spot. With certain teams like Charlotte FC and the Chicago Fire behind them, the Red Bulls need all the help they can get.
But the financial aspect of things may put a wrench in the Red Bulls plans. The MLS does not follow the same financial model of other soccer leagues, especially those in Europe.
If Werner were to come play for the Red Bulls, he could regain that scoring touch that fans fell in love with. It’s not a guarantee but Werner signing with New York would do wonders for both him and the club.
