Tottenham have decided against making Timo Werner's move permanent despite having an £8.5million buy option for the summer. The German forward, who initially arrived on loan at Spurs for six months from RB Leipzig in January 2024 before his stint was later extended for another season, has struggled to find form, netting just once in 27 appearances thus far in the campaign.
Coming back from a hamstring injury sustained in the FA Cup third-round win at Tamworth in January, Werner featured in Spurs' 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night. Regardless of the season's outcome, it is expected by those close to Werner that he'll return to Leipzig come summer and will be left to consider his next move.
There's a hint of interest from the MLS's New York Red Bulls. However, any potential transfer hinges on Werner's financial demands and whether at 28, he’s ready to end his time in Europe. With manager Ange Postecoglou and the Tottenham board eyeing fresh attacking talent for next season, Werner does not appear to be in their long-term strategy.
This was illustrated last weekend when, despite recovering from injury, Werner was excluded from the squad for the 4-1 triumph against Ipswich Town, underlining the fierce competition for places at the club.
Previously, a lacklustre display by Werner in December's Europa League 1-1 draw with Rangers at Ibrox had been dubbed "unacceptable" by Postecoglou due to the club’s then-injury crisis.
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From that point forward, it seemed highly unlikely that Spurs would exercise their option to sign the forward at the end of the season. Postecoglou has already indicated that he expects Mathys Tel to remain a Tottenham player beyond the summer following his loan move from Bayern Munich.
Spurs have a £45.8m buy option this summer, which could increase to £50m with bonuses. The Frenchman is also versatile, capable of playing both out wide and centrally.
Richarlison's future will be re-evaluated at the end of the season after another challenging year plagued by injuries. The club's midfield may also undergo changes in the transfer market, and there could be new additions to the defence.
This article originally appeared on the Mirror