The San Jose Earthquakes are closing in on a deal to sign German striker Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, marking a significant move for the MLS outfit. With a verbal agreement reportedly reached and formal steps expected in the coming days, the 29-year-old forward is set to join the Quakes as a Designated Player in what will be a permanent transfer.
According to reports from The Athletic’s Tom Bogert and Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Werner will leave Leipzig and sign with San Jose in the coming days. This represents a new chapter for the German international after falling out of favor at the Bundesliga club during the 2025-26 season.
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Werner’s Current Situation at Leipzig
Werner’s situation at RB Leipzig had become untenable. The German forward has made just three appearances totaling 13 minutes of Bundesliga action this season, dramatically highlighting his fall from prominence at the club. RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schäfer addressed the situation in late December, speaking to Sky Sports Germany after Leipzig’s 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, stating that while Werner had conducted himself professionally, it may be time for a change if he wanted more minutes.
A secret meeting between representatives of the San Jose Earthquakes and Werner already took place in Leipzig weeks ago, paving the way for this imminent transfer. An agreement between RB Leipzig and the Earthquakes is not expected to be an issue for a January completion.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Age | 29 years old |
| Current Club | RB Leipzig |
| Transfer Status | Verbal agreement reached |
| Role at San Jose | Designated Player |
| Contract Type | Permanent deal |
| Bundesliga Appearances (2025-26) | 3 games, 13 minutes |
Werner’s Career Overview
Werner, a native of Stuttgart, broke into professional football with VfB Stuttgart in 2013. He joined RB Leipzig in 2016 in a €10 million deal, which was the largest in the club’s history at that time. During his time in the Bundesliga, Werner has been exceptionally prolific. He scored 78 goals in 127 Bundesliga appearances with Stuttgart and Leipzig combined.
In his first spell with Leipzig from 2016-2020, Werner scored 113 goals in 216 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe. He then moved to Chelsea in 2020, where he spent two seasons and won the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League. During his Chelsea tenure, Werner scored 23 goals in 89 appearances across all competitions.
After returning to Leipzig in 2022, Werner scored 11 goals in 38 league appearances before being loaned to Tottenham Hotspur for the 2024-25 season. His loan spell at the English Premier League club yielded disappointing results, with just two goals in 31 league appearances, signaling a significant decline in form.
International Career and Achievements
For the German national team, Werner has earned 57 caps between 2017 and 2023, scoring 24 goals. His international experience adds valuable credentials to the San Jose roster. He is also Leipzig’s all-time top goalscorer, reflecting his historical importance to the club.
| Achievement | Statistics |
|---|---|
| International Caps | 57 appearances |
| International Goals | 24 goals |
| Chelsea Appearances | 89 (all competitions) |
| Chelsea Goals | 23 |
| Leipzig Career Goals | 113 in 216 appearances |
| Bundesliga Goals | 78 in 127 matches |
San Jose Earthquakes’ Strategic Move
The Earthquakes have been actively seeking attacking reinforcements after losing key players to other clubs. Josef Martinez, their leading goalscorer, departed to Club Tijuana in Liga MX, while Cristian Espinoza transferred to Nashville SC. Last season, San Jose ranked seventh in MLS with 60 goals scored while compiling an 11-15-8 record.
Head coach Bruce Arena is overseeing a rebuild and has prioritized adding an experienced attacking presence. Werner represents exactly that—a striker with significant European pedigree seeking a fresh start. The Quakes recently re-signed forward Cristian Arango to a new contract through December 2027, and Werner will complement this attacking core.
Notably, San Jose will still retain one additional Designated Player spot after completing Werner’s acquisition, allowing for further roster flexibility. The Earthquakes will kick off the 2026-27 season at home against Sporting Kansas City on February 21.
A Last Chance for Revival
This move to MLS represents potentially the last opportunity for Werner to revitalize his career. After falling out of favor in Europe’s top leagues, the American soccer landscape offers a chance for the German striker to restore his confidence and rediscover the prolific form that once made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers.
Leipzig had kept him relatively healthy during the season, seemingly aware that a potential winter move was on the horizon, and that plan has now come to fruition.
Read More: Top Five Things We Learned from Liam Rosenior’s First Match in Charge of Chelsea
FAQs
What is Timo Werner’s current age and nationality?
Timo Werner is 29 years old and is a German national. He has earned 57 caps for the German national team between 2017-2023, scoring 24 goals during his international career.
How many appearances has Werner made for RB Leipzig this season?
Werner has made just three appearances for RB Leipzig in the 2025-26 season, totaling only 13 minutes of Bundesliga action, which prompted his desire to find a new club.
What role will Werner play at San Jose?
Werner will join the San Jose Earthquakes as a Designated Player on a permanent transfer deal, serving as an attacking reinforcement for head coach Bruce Arena’s revamped squad.
How many goals did Timo Werner score during his Chelsea years?
Werner scored 23 goals in 89 total appearances across all competitions during his two-year spell at Chelsea from 2020-2022, where he won the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League.
Is San Jose’s Designated Player roster full after Werner’s signing?
No, San Jose will still have one additional Designated Player spot remaining after completing Werner’s acquisition, allowing the Earthquakes further roster flexibility for the 2026 season.
