German international striker Timo Werner is poised for a fresh start across the Atlantic, having agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes in the current January transfer window.
A Career at a Crossroads
The 29-year-old forward's move comes after a season of extreme frustration at RB Leipzig, where he managed a mere 13 minutes of first-team football. This marked another challenging chapter for a player whose reputation was significantly dented by underwhelming spells in the English Premier League with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Werner's time in England's top flight spanned 87 appearances, split between his two clubs. He initially joined Chelsea in 2020, where his record showed 23 goals and 21 assists across two years. Despite these seemingly respectable numbers, he consistently struggled to cement a regular starting role at Stamford Bridge.
Disappointing Tottenham Loan Spell
His subsequent loan move to Tottenham Hotspur in January 2024, later extended for the 2024/25 campaign, failed to reignite his form. In 41 outings for Spurs, Werner found the net only three times. His last direct goal contribution for the North London club was an assist against Fulham in December 2024, with his final goal dating back to October of that year.
The low point of his Tottenham tenure came under then-manager Ange Postecoglou. After a 1-1 Europa League draw with Rangers in December 2024, where Werner was substituted at half-time, Postecoglou publicly criticised the forward's performance as "unacceptable." Reports noted Werner lost possession 16 times and completed just 69% of his passes in that match.
'Here We Go' – The Transfer Confirmed
The transfer was set in motion when renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano used his signature phrase on social media platform X, announcing: "Timo Werner to San Jose Earthquakes, here we go!" Romano confirmed a verbal agreement was in place for a permanent deal, with the striker set to sign in the coming days, as first reported by MLS insider Tom Bogert.
Werner does depart English football with one piece of silverware, having been part of the Tottenham squad that won the Europa League in the 2024/25 season. However, his search for consistent form and a regular starting berth now leads him to a new challenge in California's Major League Soccer.
