Timo Werner will “leave” Chelsea this summer in search of regular minutes after publicly calling for more playing opportunities, according to reports in Germany. The restless striker is eyeing an exit at Stamford Bridge after Thomas Tuchel hit back at his comments during the club’s pre-season camp in the United States.
Werner made just 15 Premier League starts in Tuchel’s first full season as Blues boss, scoring four goals and providing one assist. And with Raheem Sterling arriving in a £50million deal from Manchester City and another Tuchel eyeing another attacking signing, he is ready to pack his bags and end a tumultuous spell in west London.
According to Sky Sport, the Chelsea manager is not a fan of Werner, and recent comments about the forward’s signs of unhappiness have hit home. The 26-year-old is now preparing for a possible departure this summer, and while a final decision is not imminent, the situation suggests he will “leave” the club.
Since joining Chelsea in a £48million deal in 2020, Werner has failed to develop into the prolific goalscorer he promises to be and has struggled to cement his place under both Frank Lampard and Tuchel. He has registered 23 goals and 21 assists in 89 appearances for the club over two seasons, but recently openly admitted his displeasure with his playing time.
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Earlier this week, Werner admitted that he wants to play more minutes and that he “could be happy” at another club. The Germany international claimed he should be given more opportunities ahead of the 2022 Winter World Cup in Qatar.
He said: “First of all, the most important thing is that I’m happy. I’m happy when I play and score goals. That’s the fact. I could be happy everywhere. It’s clear that I want to play more and I should. play more to be in good shape for the World Cup first and also to have the opportunity to play in the World Cup.”
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Tuchel played down Werner’s comments, saying he was “surprised” he wasn’t happy with his situation and didn’t understand his position. He then challenged the striker to “show quality” and prove he deserves a place in his plans instead of complaining.
“I am surprised. I would be very happy as a young man having a contract at Chelsea Football Club,” Tuchel replied. “I would be one of the happiest people on the planet. Show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet with a contract with Chelsea. If he said that, I don’t understand. .”