According to Tuesday’s print edition of Sport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Red Bull Leipzig centre-forward Timo Werner is ‘already very close’ to making a permanent switch to Liverpool which will be a big blow for Inter Milan as they were also interested in recruiting him this summer. This latest development follows after Sport1 had reported back in February that the Reds head coach Jurgen Klopp is eager to seal a move for the German striker but will face stiff competition for the player, who is flattered by Liverpool’s interest in him.
Werner’s Spectacular Rise At The Red Bull Arena
Werner has been a real joy to watch in the Bundesliga as he has been responsible for banging in numerous goals for Leipzig over the past few years. He has enjoyed another exceptional campaign at the Red Bull Arena after registering 27 goals and 12 assists in 36 matches for the German outfit this term in all competitions. His prolific goal-scoring record proves just how lethal he has been in front of the opposition goal, so it is no surprise that top clubs like Inter and Liverpool are being linked with him ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Stuttgart-born marksman has been a consistent performer as the frontman in Julian Nagelsmann’s first-team as evidenced by his average of 3.8 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga this season (stats via whoscored). The 24-year-old will potentially go down in history as one of Germany’s most gifted strikers due to his prolific scoring record for both club and country so far.
Werner has also earned a lot of praises for his performances for the German national side. He has secured 29 senior caps for his nation, scoring 11 goals in the process. Germany’s manager Joachim Löw will hope that the Leipzig forward can step up and give a good account of himself in the UEFA European Championship which has been delayed until the summer of 2021 due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
What Will The German Sensation Bring To Anfield?
Werner can put his pace and agility to good use when attempting to run behind the opposition defence. He excels at finding space in the attacking third of the field and usually tests the opposition keeper with his shot attempts. His strikes generally pack a lot of power and precision which has helped Werner gradually transform himself into a consistent goal-scorer in European football. However, one can’t help but wonder whether he has what it takes to cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football if he does end up making a switch to Anfield this summer.
Even though Klopp might not be in a position to guarantee Werner regular game time at Merseyside, the German tactician should still consider orchestrating a move for his countryman as the striker would be able to provide some healthy competition for Roberto Firmino for the right to lead the charge in front of the Kop next season. The Leipzig star will not only add a lot of pace and goals to the Liverpool frontline but also enhance the overall depth of Klopp’s squad.
Furthermore, Werner’s acquisition could also mean that the Reds can switch between their preferred 4-3-3 formation to a more flexible 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 set-up based on the quality of their opponents on match-days. Thus, it makes a lot of sense for the reigning Club World Cup champions to splash the cash on Werner before the start of the new campaign.
