Timo Werner slams RB Leipzig for lack of appreciation after costly transfer and disappointing second spell since 2022
Timo Werner looks back on his last months at former club RB Leipzig with clear frustration and accuses those responsible of having abandoned him and no longer appreciating him. The striker, who returned from FC Chelsea in 2022 for €20 million, speaks openly about the disappointments.
Expectations were high when Werner returned to RB Leipzig from FC Chelsea in 2022 for €20 million. In his first spell he had already celebrated his breakthrough and played on the international football stage.
Frustration over second Leipzig spell
His second Leipzig spell, however, quickly turned into a misunderstanding that frustrated the 30‑year‑old striker. In an interview with Transfermarkt he said: “It was different from my first spell, when the game revolved around me. Still, it went quite well until this injury before the World Cup, which cost me the tournament. It was my first major operation.”
Werner also criticised the officials of Saxony and explained that further events in daily life and football gave him the feeling of not being valued. He stressed that the blame does not lie solely with him.
In the past, Werner had spoken of a lack of communication with the then‑coach Marco Rose. The 50‑year‑old Rose denied this portrayal at the time. Today Werner sees the period more nuanced and notes: “There are moments when things go well, and then periods when they don’t go as well.”
After the second Leipzig intermezzo Werner initially moved to Tottenham, before returning on loan to RB Leipzig in June 2025. However, he found no place in the squad there and ultimately did not play any competitive matches.
In total Werner made 211 competitive appearances for Leipzig, scoring 113 goals and providing 47 assists.
New start in the USA
In the summer of 2026 the 57‑time international left Europe and joined the San Jose Earthquakes on a free transfer, with RB Leipzig even providing a financial settlement. Werner said: “I just wanted to do something different… Even though I’m only 30, I felt that a new chapter in my life should begin.”
With the Earthquakes he made an immediate impact: In 15 games he scored six goals and set up five more. His contract runs until 2028.