Despite having some exploratory conversations, there has been “nothing doing” regarding recent speculation that the New York Red Bulls are keying in on German striker Timo Werner, who is on loan at Premier League side Tottenham from RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga, sources told amNewYork on Thursday.
One source pointed out that despite prominent European transfer windows closing on Feb. 3, negotiations could still reactivate from their current dormant state.
A report from Footmercato suggested in recent days that the 28-year-old had been in talks with New York about making the jump to Major League Soccer —a logical link considering RB Leipzig is the sister club of the Red Bulls and has seen prominent players like Emil Forsberg make identical moves.
Werner initially joined Tottenham on a six-month loan last January but extended his stay in London for another year before the start of the 2024-25 season. He currently has six months left on the loan, and his contract with RB Leipzig expires in June of 2026.
His stay at White Heart Lane has not been fruitful. He has just two goals in 30 Premier League appearances since his arrival.
Once a rising superstar within the German ranks, Werner has failed to reach the heights he attained during his first sting with RB Leipzig, which included 28 goals in 34 Bundesliga games during the 2019-20 season.
The following season, he joined English Premier League giants Chelsea on a five-year deal as their marquee summer signing but scored just 10 goals in 56 league matches—though he was part of the Champions League winning squad in 2021. He was sold back to Leipzig ahead of the 2022-23 season, scoring just 11 goals in Bundesliga play over the next two seasons.
A move to MLS and the Red Bulls could perhaps be the change of scenery Werner needs to get back on track. Given his speed and—when he is at his best—his tactical finishing ability in front of goal, he would thrive in the United States.
His presence would also provide an immeasurable boost to New York’s attack. A new-look forward core has seen the departures of Elias Manoel and Dante Vanzeir supplemented by the acquisitions of former PSG and Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is 35 years old, and the promising 20-year-old Polish poacher Wiktor Bogacz.
The weight of Choupo-Moting’s workload is yet to be known. Could he start two out of every three matches and post heavy minutes?
Meanwhile, it would be dangerous to put too much hope in an inexperienced youngster like Bogacz, especially on a team that made the MLS Cup Final in December.
Scottish international and MLS Comeback Player of the Year Lewis Morgan provides another upfront option. Still, he is a natural winger who changes the threat level of the midfield when lined up alongside Forsberg.
Having a talent like Werner benefit from such a midfield partnership would obviously yield big-time rewards for the Red Bulls, who have been looking for a bona fide, consistent striker to rely upon ever since Bradley Wright-Phillips’s departure.
