Timo Werner is just 23 years old, but he has already made an impressive 188 Bundesliga appearances. And, like most of the Bundesliga’s top German talent, Werner has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich for some time now.
Before the summer, many even saw his relocation to Bavaria as a foregone conclusion. Die Roten, however, have instead had their head turned by the prospect of signing yet another young German star. Leroy Sane is Bayern’s dream signing – that’s no secret. With the Manchester City winger now injured and likely out for the rest of the year, though, the Bavarians need to start seriously looking at other options. According to reports in Germany, Werner is back on the list of potential buys for the reigning champions now that Sane is injured. But even if they still plan to sign Leroy Sane, Bayern Munich need Timo Werner.
Bayern Munich Need Timo Werner
Why Bayern Munich Needs Versatile Timo Werner
After the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery over the summer, Bayern Munich were left a little short in the attacking department. Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are the only two wingers in the squad with any real experience. Alphonso Davies has bags of potential, but he still has a lot to learn before challenging for a spot in the starting lineup. Thomas Muller, meanwhile, can do the job on the right flank against lower-tier sides but is more effective in a central role.
Beyond that, Robert Lewandowski lacks a real understudy who can take some weight off his shoulders. The Pole has voiced his displeasure at this fact on multiple occasions as well. Bayern’s other striker, Jann-Fiete Arp, is no doubt one to watch for the future. The former Hamburg striker is still far off Champions League level, however.
In Timo Werner, Bayern would have a player who could add quality and depth at multiple positions. It would be very similar, even, to how Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard offer Bayern tactical flexibility at the back.
He Fits
Many are sceptical over a potential Werner-to-Bayern move because they are unsure he could operate in the Bayern system. Throughout the past few seasons, RB Leipzig have built their attack on quick, dynamic counterattacks. The Red Bulls have rarely faced the issue of a team sitting deep and parking the bus that often plagues their league rivals.
Werner has taken advantage of this fact many times to great effect. Therefore, several of his goals in recent seasons have come from him running off the shoulder of the last defender onto a through pass that he converts when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
At Bayern, Werner likely wouldn’t have the same space in front of him to run into and exploit. Nevertheless, that does not mean he could not fit in tactically in Munich.
In fact, he might even be the perfect player for Niko Kovac. The Croatian hopes to convert Bayern’s traditional 4-2-3-1 into a 4-3-3 this season, and the 23-year-old could play a big part in that. All three forwards in the Kovac’s new formation will be tasked with scoring goals as well as creating them. Werner, who scored 16 goals and assisted 7 more in the Bundesliga last season, would make for an excellent option to either play the central role or to take over on the left flank.
Werner’s ability on the ball, combined with his directness toward the goal, capability of taking on defenders, and superb finishing, make him a prime example of the modern forward. No matter where in attack he is played, Werner can thrive.
He is Available
This should perhaps be the biggest selling point for Bayern Munich. Timo Werner would be extremely easy for the Bavarians to sign. Not only that, but he would also come with a shockingly low price tag.
RB Leipzig have insisted time and time again that they will have to sell Werner this summer if he does not sign a new contract. The one year left on his current deal means Leipzig are in serious danger of losing him for free if they do not sell him at a discounted rate this off-season. Reports in Germany claim he could even go for as little as €30 million. This is an incredulous fee for a player worth €65 million. Passing up on signing Werner for half his value would be incredibly foolish.
So why have other clubs not taken advantage of this? They have. Or at least they have tried. Werner, however, is reportedly only interested in Bayern Munich. But the reigning German champions would prefer to wait and sign him for free next season than spend the funds to get him now.
Leipzig’s insistence that Werner will be sold, though, means that might not be a realistic option for Bayern. It is time for the Bavarian giants to reciprocate Werner’s desire and take him south to Munich. That might mean paying a small fee, but it would be worth it. Bayern Munich need Timo Werner this season. Waiting is not an option.
Bayern Munich Need Timo Werner Now
Bayern Munich need some star power in attack, whether or not they sign the injured Leroy Sane, and Timo Werner is exactly who they should be after. He is young, talented, versatile, available, and interested. Bayern would be foolish to pass on the opportunity to sign the young German this summer.
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