Timo Werner Shocks Soccer World with Unexpected MLS Switch on the Horizon
Timo Werner is nearing a transfer to the San Jose Earthquakes, according to emerging reports.
The 29-year-old striker, who won the Champions League with Chelsea, made his way back to RB Leipzig last summer following an underwhelming loan period at Tottenham Hotspur, though he has since fallen significantly down the hierarchy in Germany.
Werner has managed only 13 minutes of playing time across three matches this campaign, with two of those appearances coming in Leipzig's last two fixtures before the Bundesliga's winter hiatus.
A transfer to Major League Soccer has been discussed since the end of last year. Red Bull New York, operating under the same Red Bull ownership, was considered a potential landing spot, alongside LAFC and LA Galaxy.
Later reports suggested Werner was considering a move to team up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, but The Athletic indicates the left-wing attacker is bringing his skills to San Jose instead.
Werner is anticipated to join the Earthquakes as a designated player and will replace the gap created by Josef Martínez's transfer to Tijuana in Mexico. A second DP position remains available.
Werner Desperate to Reignite Stagnating Career
Werner Eager to Revive Struggling Career
At just 29 years of age, Werner has endured several seasons battling poor form in a dramatic decline that seemed unthinkable just a few years back.
Werner was among Europe's most dangerous strikers during his initial period with Leipzig and reached his pinnacle in the 2019–20 campaign, where he scored 28 goals in only 34 Bundesliga matches. Liverpool were anticipated to bring him to the Premier League before Chelsea intercepted a transfer valued at approximately £47.5 million ($59 million at that time).
It was following his move to Stamford Bridge in 2020 that Werner's fortunes began to decline. Despite remaining well-liked, on-field difficulties saw him score 23 goals in 89 appearances before being transferred back to Leipzig for half his original fee two years later, though not before helping the Blues secure the Champions League title under Thomas Tuchel.
He was unable to rediscover his peak performance after returning to Leipzig and was sent on loan to Tottenham in January 2024. The start was promising and his initial six-month arrangement was extended through summer 2025, but he lost favor under Ange Postecoglou and the move wasn't made permanent.
Returning to Leipzig as one of the club's top earners, Werner was promptly told he wasn't needed for the 2025–26 campaign. A move to New York was explored last summer but never finalized, leaving Werner mostly sidelined for the past six months until the Earthquakes' rescue offer emerged.