Why Liverpool missed a trick with Werner

Timo Werner, RB Leipzig . (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Timo Werner, RB Leipzig . (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

One of the Premier League’s hottest transfers in the rumour mill has been confirmed and he is heading to Chelsea.

Timo Werner, the German international forward, will be a Chelsea player from the 2020-21 season onward and what a signing he will be for them.

Whilst the move had an air of inevitability about it for the past few weeks, it hadn’t been so straightforward for months prior. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, not Chelsea, had been leading the hunt for the coveted striker’s signature.

The general consensus amongst those in the know was that a move to the Reds would appeal to Werner the most.

With compatriot Klopp at the helm, a dynamic, fast-paced offense in place and the chance to immediately challenge for titles (both domestic and in Europe), it seemed a match made in heaven. Alas, it was not to be; instead of the rouge of Liverpool, Werner will pull on the royal blue of Chelsea – for the immediate future at least.

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Many in Merseyside was on the night questioning how it came to this. Why would Werner, one of the hottest properties in continental football, a German international and winner of the Torjägerkannone, prefer a meandering Chelsea side over the Kings of Europe?

Whilst Liverpool’s allure is clear to see, and Chelsea’s less so (on paper), on further inspection, one can understand the move from Werner’s perspective.

The Blues are clearly assembling a dangerous young core to dominate for years to come. Signing Hakim Ziyech – alongside Christian Pulisic last summer, and goalkeeper Kepa before him – shows a clear emphasis on younger personnel.

At Stamford Bridge, Werner will be the undisputed starting forward – The same couldn’t be said of his standing at Anfield.

The criminally underrated Bobby Firmino stands in his way, who has the added advantage of not only being the incumbent (with an existing rapport with the rest of the team), but a favourite of Klopp’s.

The move made all the sense for the player and Lampard’s side were not going to wait for a second invite to go and sign him from RB Leipzig. Jurgen Klopp did need the services of the forward.

The contrast between the bench is disturbing and needs to change ASAP.