Why Liverpool must plot a summer swoop for RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner

According to the Athletic, Liverpool have made RB Leipzig star Timo Werner their top transfer target this summer.

Timo Werner, 23, has impressed this season, netting 28 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions. He is enjoying his best goalscoring campaign, helping RB Leipzig challenge both the Bundesliga title and the Champions League.

Liverpool’s interest in the Germany international is no huge shock, especially after the campaign he’s enjoyed under the guidance of manager Julian Nagelsmann. Although Leipzig have not been at their fluid best lately, they remain in contention for the title, with just three points between themselves and leaders Bayern Munich.

The Reds are raring to win the Premier League title this time around and are currently enjoying a whopping 22-point lead at the top of the table. Even though they tasted their first league defeat of the campaign to Watford at Vicarage Road last weekend – and were dumped out of the FA Cup by Chelsea on Tuesday – Jurgen Klopp’s men are in the driver’s seat to win the title.

Liverpool arguably have the best attack in Europe, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino forging a fantastic understanding between them. The trio has contributed to 44 goals across all competitions so far this season.

Meanwhile, Divock Origi has failed to impress this season following his exploits in big games at the business end of the last campaign which earned him a new contract at Anfield. Xherdan Shaqiri has struggled with injuries this season, while January signing Takumi Minamino is yet to find his feet in the Premier League.

However, one cannot ignore the fact that the Reds still lack depth in their attack. Plus, Klopp will be without Salah because of the Olympics and Mane due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations at various points next year. Suffice to say, Liverpool’s German manager hardly has a top-quality back-up forward in his ranks to call upon. To that end, Timo Werner would be a fantastic fit at Anfield.

Werner has gone on to become one of the most lethal strikers in Europe. In 148 games for Leipzig, he has scored a staggering 88 goals and provided 38 assists. He has been a key figure in Leipzig’s rise in Europe and has become a regular fixture in Joachim Low’s German national team. The 23-year-old has a good return at the international level, scoring 11 times in 29 appearances.

Read more

• Why the return of defender Joel Matip is a big boost for Liverpool
• Why Liverpool should sign Ferran Torres in the summer
• Why Liverpool signing Milot Rashica would be a sensible move

The Germany international has been playing football at the highest level for the last few seasons and would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool’s attacking ranks, whilst adding depth to the squad.

Verdict

With names like Mane, Salah and Firmino in the attack, it goes without saying that Klopp has built a dream team of sorts. However, competing in multiple competitions will have a long-term toll on the squad.

Hence, beefing up the squad should be a must for the Merseysiders in the summer. Thus, the Reds signing Werner is a no-brainer.