Timo Werner Names Dream MLS Club as Winter Move Looms—Exclusive Report
Timo Werner has been linked with Major League Soccer for several months. Currently, it appears he is focused on joining Inter Miami to spearhead their offensive line alongside Lionel Messi.
Earlier, the German striker had been associated with Red Bull New York, but negotiations fell through before the season began, and mid-season transfer speculation never materialized into anything concrete.
Recent reports from BILD suggest that Werner is actively pursuing a move to the Herons. The sidelined RB Leipzig attacker has reportedly identified Miami as his preferred destination to fulfill his goal of partnering with Messi, who recently extended his contract through the 2028 MLS campaign.
Werner, who has netted 24 times in 57 caps for Germany's national squad, would fill the striker position alongside Messi and take over the role previously held by Suárez, and currently by Mateo Silvetti.
The ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur striker has only featured in Leipzig's matchday squad twice this season and logged merely one minute of action in a 1–0 victory against VFL Wolfsburg in September.
However, the 29-year-old has demonstrated his scoring ability throughout his career. He has accumulated 211 goals across 510 professional matches spanning his time with Stuttgart and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, plus his Premier League stint in London.
How Inter Miami Can Afford Timo Werner
Although Miami would have faced challenges signing Werner in 2025, they will have the financial flexibility to accommodate a player of his caliber in 2026. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are expected to retire, and Luis Suárez remains without a contract after a disappointing campaign.
The report indicates that Werner's current salary is approximately $11.6 million, and any compensation in that bracket would classify him as a Designated Player and among MLS's top earners. Miami's projected roster for 2026 includes Messi and Rodrigo De Paul as DPs, creating an available spot.
Miami is scheduled to begin the 2026 MLS season facing Son Heung-min's LAFC on Feb. 21, followed by the inaugural match at their new venue, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4 against Austin FC.