Chelsea: Timo Werner considering his future, amid Dortmund interest
Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel barking orders to Timo Werner
Reports in Germany have suggested that Chelsea striker Timo Werner is contemplating a move away from Stamford Bridge, amid interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
The Lowdown: Struggling to Fire
The 26-year-old has seemingly not hit the heights that were expected following his £53m move from RB Leipzig back in the summer of 2020, with the striker – dubbed “erratic” by talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor last year – routinely coming under fire for his underwhelming displays.
Despite previously netting an impressive tally of 95 goals in just 159 games in all competitions for the German outfit, the 49-cap international has gone on to score just 19 goals for the west London side, including a dismal record of just seven Premier League goals in that time.
While his tally of 12 goals across all fronts last term saw him finish as the club’s joint-top scorer, that return was seemingly not up to scratch for a player of his potential, with his record of just a solitary league goal this season fuelling speculation that his future may lie elsewhere.
The Latest: Considering His Future
According to Sky Germany, the former Stuttgart marksman is considering a move elsewhere due to his current struggles, with Marco Rose’s Dortmund side reportedly in the running to snap him up should the Stamford Bridge outfit sanction a sale this summer.
The report does add, however, that despite sliding down the attacking pecking order under compatriot Thomas Tuchel this term, the player’s ‘preference’ is to stay where he is for the time being, with his contract still having just over three years left to run.
A piece from German outlet Sport1 earlier this week also suggested that Werner and his agent, Volker Struth, have already begun discussions regarding a potential move to Westfalenstadion, with his current side believed to be willing to take a £20m hit on his initial fee in order to allow him to leave.
The Verdict: Fresh Start Needed
Much like with the ongoing turbulence surrounding teammate Romelu Lukaku, the Blues may well have a decision to make over the German striker this summer, with it potentially the right time to part ways after what’s been a frustrating last two seasons for all concerned.
While his staggering £272k-per-week wage could prove a stumbling block for any move, the Premier League side would surely be keen to get that sizeable figure off their wage bill, particularly amid the uncertainty surrounding the club’s current finances.
Despite his breathtaking speed and willingness to run in behind – traits which earned comparisons with Leicester City ace Jamie Vardy from club legend Joe Cole – the 5 foot 11, hotshot has become something of a laughing stock for his failings in front of goal, having missed 18 big chances last term – the joint-fifth worst record in the division.
As for this term, while he has only missed two big chances in the top-flight, he currently ranks last amongst the Chelsea squad for his average match rating (6.52), having scored just once in 737 minutes of league action, as per SofaScore.
The player himself has openly discussed his frustrations with his current situation during the latest international break, revealing (via Goal) that:
“I’m a striker and always want to score. Things aren’t going the way I’d like at Chelsea, so it’s all the better that things are going well here under Hansi Flick.
“I really enjoy playing football, no matter where I’m playing. There are differences in the style of play between football at Chelsea and here.
“Maybe the one at the national team suits me better. Here, I always have scoring chances, I can score goals. I feel very comfortable here.”
That admission is perhaps a clear indication to those back at his club side that he may not be the right fit, with the chance to start afresh next season perhaps the best course of action for all parties.
So it appears that it isn’t only Romelu Lukaku from Tuchel’s frontline that could depart Stamford Bridge in the near future.
AND in other news, Chelsea could still let “spectacular” £150k-p/w star depart despite contract extension claims…