Werner To Liverpool: Klopp Speaks To Striker Via Video Call Ahead Of Possible Transfer
by James Nalton
RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner has regularly been linked with a transfer to Liverpool, and it has now been revealed that the manager of the European champions, Jürgen Klopp, has spoken to the 24-year-old via a video call.
The German striker is seen as an ideal fit for Liverpool, who are close to securing their first English title in 30 years and their first in the Premier League era.
Werner would provide backup in a few attacking roles, as well as being able to contribute as a starter in a number of situations depending how Liverpool line up and who is available.
Klopp’s side have also been linked with other Bundesliga stars Kai Havertz and Jadon Sancho, but a move for Werner is the most realistic option at this moment in time.
“I think it depends on what Liverpool want to do,” German football expert Raphael Honigstein told BT Sport. “He is available because of a release clause, so will cost €55 million [$60 million].
“I think there has been a virtual meeting between Jürgen Klopp and [Werner] in recent weeks. They are a little hesitant to pull the trigger because they don’t know the impact of football coming back.
“He is waiting for things to fall into shape. This kind of deal, which would usually be confirmed in April or May, might not get announced until September or October.”
Sport Bild has since confirmed that a first meeting between the Klopp and Werner took place in April.
Werner’s release clause expires on June 15, according to Bild, and this type of set fee will interest Liverpool in the current climate where the transfer market is in a state of flux.
In a normal situation, and without a release clause, the Leipzig sensation would be worth much more than this €55 million fee, given his performances during the past few seasons, and the interest in him, but values could drop as clubs suffer financial difficulties due to the postponement of games and seasons.
There will no doubt be plenty of interest in a player who is second in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts behind Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski, and it appears Klopp has been building a relationship with the player in order to encourage his compatriot to plump for Liverpool.
Werner might not need too much convincing to join the current European champions and soon to be Premier League winners, managed by one of the game’s top coaches.
The player himself has also talked up a move to Liverpool, and this deal would suit all parties were it to go through.
“Our game in London has brought Liverpool to the media,” Werner told Welt after Leipzig faced Tottenham in the Champions League in February.
“We have Jürgen Klopp, the best coach in the world who is German. There are a lot of things that would suggest that my style of play might be a good fit [at Liverpool].”
Werner’s focus remains firmly on Leipzig at the moment, as shown by his hat-trick against Mainz 05 at the weekend, but if he is to make a move in the next transfer window, Liverpool will be favourites to secure his signature.