£8.5m Star to Leave Tottenham Hotspur This Summer with Decision Already Made – Report | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Decision on Timo Werner: A Move That Was Never Meant to Last?

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to forgo their option to sign Timo Werner permanently is no surprise given his underwhelming performances. The German forward, who has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, looks set to return to RB Leipzig at the end of the season. With just one goal in 27 appearances, it was always going to be difficult to justify an £8.5 million investment in a player who has failed to deliver.

Werner’s Struggles in North London

When Spurs secured Werner on an initial six-month loan in January 2024, hopes were high that he could rediscover the form that made him a prolific goalscorer at Leipzig. However, his lack of confidence in front of goal has persisted. Despite an extended stay for another season, the numbers paint a bleak picture of his time in North London.

As The Mirror reports, Ange Postecoglou’s frustration with Werner was evident when the Australian manager labelled his performance in the 1-1 Europa League draw at Rangers as “unacceptable.” This, coupled with a hamstring injury suffered during the FA Cup win over Tamworth in January, meant Werner’s influence was minimal. Even after recovering, he was omitted from the squad in Tottenham’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, further indicating that he was not part of the club’s future plans.

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Tottenham’s Transfer Strategy for the Summer

Ange Postecoglou and the club’s hierarchy have a clear vision for the upcoming transfer window, and Werner is not a part of it. The focus is shifting towards fresh attacking options, with Mathys Tel emerging as a long-term target. Spurs have a £45.8 million option to sign the young Frenchman from Bayern Munich, which could rise to £50 million with bonuses. Tel’s versatility, with the ability to play both centrally and on the wing, makes him a more attractive prospect compared to Werner.

There is also speculation regarding Werner’s next move, with The Mirror reporting that MLS side New York Red Bulls have shown tentative interest in signing him. However, whether Werner is ready to leave European football at just 28 years old remains to be seen.

A Move That Was Always Doomed?

The decision to bring Werner to Tottenham was, in hindsight, a gamble that never really made sense. His struggles in English football were well documented during his time at Chelsea, where he managed just ten Premier League goals in two seasons. While his pace and work ethic were never in doubt, his finishing and decision-making often left much to be desired.

Even with a squad plagued by injuries at times, Werner failed to capitalise on opportunities. The lack of cutting edge in his play made it difficult for him to justify his place in the side, let alone warrant a permanent transfer. Spurs’ decision to move on from Werner is not just understandable—it’s the only logical conclusion.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Tottenham fan’s perspective, Werner’s signing always felt like a short-term fix rather than a genuine solution to the club’s attacking needs. His time at Chelsea should have served as a warning sign, yet Spurs still took the risk, hoping a change of scenery and system might reignite his career.

Unfortunately, the same issues followed him to North London. The inconsistency, the missed chances, and the inability to influence games meant he was never going to be more than a stopgap. Postecoglou’s decision to publicly criticise him earlier in the season made it clear that his future lay elsewhere, and it is no shock that Spurs are unwilling to activate the buy option.

For supporters, this move represents a broader issue—Tottenham’s tendency to make signings that don’t fit their long-term vision. The focus should now be on bringing in young, dynamic players who can truly elevate the squad. The potential signing of Mathys Tel is a step in the right direction, but fans will hope this is a sign that the club is learning from past mistakes rather than repeating them.

As for Werner, he may still have a future in European football, but it won’t be in the Premier League. Perhaps a return to Leipzig will help him rediscover his confidence, or maybe a fresh start in the MLS is the best path forward. Either way, his time at Spurs will be remembered as a disappointing chapter in an otherwise promising career.