Timo Werner returns to RB Leipzig from Chelsea on permanent deal | OneFootball

RB Leipzig have confirmed the permanent signing of Timo Werner from Chelsea on a four-year deal.

The German moved in the opposite direction two years ago for £47.5m but failed to hit the heights expected of him at Stamford Bridge, bagging 23 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea and eventually struggling to hold down a regular spot in Thomas Tuchel's first team.

A public dispute with Tuchel over a lack of minutes kick-started a summer of speculation for Werner who, after initially being expected to leave on loan, has sealed a permanent return to Leipzig.

Werner follows former teammate Romelu Lukaku out the door, leaving Chelsea with Armando Broja, Michy Batshuayi and the versatile Kai Havertz as options to spearhead Tuchel's attack.

The Blues have already bolstered their attack this summer with the £45m signing of Raheem Sterling, who played in Werner's usual position behind the striker during the recent 1-0 victory over Everton in Chelsea's Premier League opener.

Tuchel also hopes to add to his front line before the summer transfer window closes and could authorise a move for Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha, who has entered the final 12 months of the five-year contract he famously signed back in 2018.

Zaha's potential arrival could coincide with the departure of young winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has grown concerned over his role under Tuchel and is ready to push for a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.