Julian Nagelsmann gives opinion on Timo Werner transfer saga

Julian Nagelsmann will soon take the helm at RB Leipzig for the 2019-2020 season and will have many issues to address upon his arrival. At the forefront of matters is the ongoing transfer saga that surrounds the team’s star striker Timo Werner.

In an interview that Nagelsmann gave to Sport Bild, the former Hoffenheim coach gave his opinion on the Werner-to-Bayern transfer situation.

I’d prefer it if he stayed. But certain preconditions must be met so that he can and should stay. If they aren’t met, then we’ll have to look for a solution.

Clearly, Nagelsmann is referring to Werner’s contract. Werner’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2020 and RB Leipzig cannot — and likely will not — allow Werner to leave on a free transfer next summer.

The business with Timo Werner is clearly regulated. We all want him to extend and stay. If he doesn’t extend, it’s difficult to let such a player leave on a free transfer.

As noted also by the Münchner Merkur, Werner’s agent, Karl-Heinz Förster, has already made it clear that Werner will not sign a new deal with Leipzig.

BFW Analysis

It has been clear for months that — barring a minor miracle — Werner will move on from RB Leipzig. Where he lands, however, remains to be seen. Bayern Munich has been the most mentioned destination, but Liverpool has also been heavily tied to Werner. There have also been vague rumors regarding interest in the 23-year-old from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Napoli.

Ultimately, Werner’s future should become crystal-clear over the next few weeks. If Bayern cannot sign Manchester City’s Leroy Sané, the likelihood that Werner is in Munich by July will likely increase tenfold. Sané, of course, is rumored to be meeting with Manchester City officials this week in hopes of working out a new deal.