Timo Werner Given Deadline Over New York Red Bulls Contract Offer

RB Leipzig Desperate to Offload Ex-Chelsea Star’s €10m Salary

Timo Werner’s future hangs in the balance once again. The former Chelsea striker, now back at RB Leipzig, has been handed a deadline of August 21 to accept an offer from the New York Red Bulls, as reported by Sport Bild. With the Bundesliga outfit eager to clear his hefty €10 million annual salary off the books, all eyes are now on the 28-year-old forward and whether he’ll make the jump to Major League Soccer.

The Current Situation: A Crossroads in Timo Werner’s Career

After rejoining Leipzig in 2022 following an underwhelming spell in the Premier League with Chelsea, Timo Werner’s second stint in Germany has failed to truly catch fire. He has notched 11 goals in 35 appearances, but questions over his consistency and role within the team have never quite faded.

In January, he made a temporary switch to Tottenham Hotspur, seeking more playing time and a fresh start in North London. However, that move too failed to yield the desired results. Spurs opted against making his loan permanent, and Timo Werner returned to Leipzig with uncertainty still looming large.

Now, Leipzig have made it abundantly clear: Timo Werner is no longer a part of their long-term vision. With a number of attacking changes in motion, they are actively seeking a buyer for the high-earning German, and New York Red Bulls—also part of the Red Bull football family—have come forward with a compelling offer.

NYRB’s Offer: Lucrative but Conditional

The deal on the table from New York Red Bulls could actually see Timo Werner pocket even more than the €10 million per year he’s currently earning at Leipzig. However, it’s heavily performance-based. The structure would reward goals, assists, appearances, and other statistical markers—placing the onus on Timo Werner to deliver on the pitch.

Unconvinced by the conditional nature of the offer, Timo Werner initially rejected the deal. But sources close to the negotiations indicate the offer remains open—for now. Leipzig have reportedly communicated that the final deadline for a decision is August 21. After that, they may move on to other solutions to reduce their wage bill.

Why Leipzig Are Pushing for a Sale

Leipzig’s financial motivations are clear. Timo Werner is among the top earners at the club, and offloading his salary would open up room to further invest in their restructured attack. They’ve already signed Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko from PSV and are also keeping tabs on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as a potential replacement for outgoing loanee Xavi Simons.

The broader strategy is a refreshing of their forward line—speed, technical ability, and versatility are key attributes they want to build around. Timo Werner, while still possessing pace and experience, no longer fits that vision. It’s a footballing and financial decision rolled into one.

Did You Know?

Werner’s contract at Leipzig still has time left on it, but his marginalisation from first-team plans is no secret. In fact, during the pre-season build-up, Timo Werner has been noticeably absent from key matches and marketing campaigns. The message from management is clear: the door is open, but it’s time to move on.

Adding to the intrigue is the connection within the Red Bull family. With clubs in Austria, Germany, and the United States all under the same umbrella, player movement between them has historically been smooth. This makes NYRB a logical destination—offering a soft landing and a fresh start in a less pressure-cooker environment compared to Europe’s top leagues.

What’s Next for Timo Werner?

From Timo Werner’s point of view, the decision is complex. On one hand, a move to MLS could offer a revitalisation of sorts. A new culture, less media scrutiny, and the chance to become a marquee player in New York could bring the joy back to his game. On the other hand, it would mark a step away from top-tier European football—a big decision for any player still in their prime years.

There are whispers of interest from other European clubs as well, but none have matched Leipzig’s financial expectations so far. Unless a new bidder emerges quickly, New York may be Timo Werner’s best and only viable option before the window slams shut.

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The Bigger Picture: Timo Werner’s Career Trajectory

Timo Werner’s career has had peaks and valleys. At RB Leipzig (the first time around), he was a sensation—his pace and finishing terrorised Bundesliga defences. Chelsea swooped in, hoping he’d be the answer to their striker woes. Instead, he struggled under the spotlight in West London, with his confidence visibly eroding amid missed chances and criticism.

His return to Leipzig was supposed to be a homecoming revival. While it had moments, it lacked the fireworks of his initial rise. And his recent loan at Spurs was more placeholder than breakthrough. Now 28, Timo Werner finds himself at a critical juncture. He’s not old, but he’s also no longer the bright young thing. If there’s ever a moment to reinvent himself, this is it.

What If He Stays?

Assan Ouedraogo Leipzig

Should Werner dig in and reject the NYRB offer, Leipzig’s stance is unlikely to change. He would likely face a season on the fringes, training with the reserves or being left out of matchday squads altogether. That scenario would be detrimental not only financially but also to his prospects of returning to the Germany national team.

By contrast, a strong season in MLS could open doors. Whether it’s a return to Europe down the line or simply enjoying his football again, the upside is real—if he can embrace the challenge.

Final Thoughts

The ball is firmly in Timo Werner’s court. Leipzig have drawn the line, and NYRB have laid down their terms. All that’s left is for the player to make his call.

August 21 is coming fast. Will Werner board the plane to New York and seek a fresh start in the Big Apple, or will he gamble on a late European move—or worse, stagnate in limbo?

Whatever the choice, it’s a decisive moment in a career that has promised so much, but now desperately needs a new spark.

Stay tuned.