Timo Werner refuses to re-sign with RB Leipzig and could join Bayern Munich next summer

Per a report from Bild (behind the Bild+ paywall), Timo Werner has decided not to extend his contract with RB Leipzig and appears likely to leave the team next summer as a free transfer. The move would be a stunning blow for the East German club, which will have lost a golden opportunity to make a profitable sale on the young star.

With today as RB Leipzig’s latest ultimatum for the 23-year-old, Werner still has not extended his deal with the club. Given Bayern Munich’s latest string of signings, it is hard to fathom that the Bavarians would be willing to meet Leipzig’s reported asking price of €40 million.

Knowing that, Werner is probably not moving to Bayern this summer unless there is a dramatic shift of events in Munich. As always, Werner could experiences a change of heart and eventually opt to accept a new deal with RB Leipzig. No doubt, the situation will bear monitoring over the course of the coming months.

BFW Analysis

The most interesting thing now will be the fallout from Werner’s decision. Will Leipzig continue to play Werner or will it gradually phase him out of the lineup? With a legitimate shot at contending for the knockout round in the Champions League — not to mention qualifying for the 2020-2021 Champions League season on the line — it is hard to think that a strategist like Julian Nagelsmann would handcuff himself by taking his top scorer off the field.

Relationships, however, can become brittle and broken in situations like this, especially with Werner’s rumored destination being Bundesliga-rival Bayern Munich. While Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, Napoli, Valencia, and Inter Milan are among the teams reportedly interested in Werner, it is conceivable that the 23-year-old could have a change of heart over the next 11 months. However, it seems as if the Germany international has his heart set on Bavaria instead of an extended stay with RB Leipzig.