- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to extend Timo Werner’s loan spell from RB Leipzig until the summer of 2025 rather than trigger the option-to-buy clause in the forward’s contract in the off-season.
HITC understands that the Germany international, who has made a positive impression since returning to England during the January transfer window, has been lined up for an extended stay in North London.
Tottenham have a £15.5 million option-to-buy clause in Timo Werner‘s contract. We have been informed, however, that while the former Chelsea speedster has impressed at Spurs, the capital city outfit are hoping to extend his loan for a further 12 months rather than commit themselves to a permanent outlay at the end of the current campaign.
It remains to be seen how Leipzig feel about such a proposal. Werner’s contract at the Bundesliga outfit runs until 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur make Timo Werner call
“We are not in contact but, of course, I am following his development,” Red Bull Arena coach Marco Rose told Sky Germany a few weeks back. “He’s starting to score again. It’s a result of being comfortable and feeling good. He should keep riding the wave.
“Basically, he is one of our players. But Tottenham obviously have the opportunity to sign him completely.”
The 28-year-old was brought in during the winter to help offset the loss of Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son to the Asian Cup. Werner has two goals and three assists in his nine Premier League starts so far.
And, while there have been familiar criticisms surrounding the former Stuttgart starlet’s frequent wastefulness in the final third, the pace, work-rate and movement Werner brings to the table have made him a very useful addition to Ange Postecoglou’s Champions League-chasing frontline.
“I think Werner has been really important,” Postecoglou said before Tottenham’s 4-0 win at top-four rivals Aston Villa.
“I can imagine, if we didn’t bring (Werner) in, it would have been a much bigger burden on the other (attackers).”
Spurs still pursuing Antonio Nusa
HITC understands that Tottenham, who are also looking to bring in a centre-forward, a full-back and an energetic central midfielder this summer, remain keen on Club Brugge youngster Antonio Nusa, having expressed an interest in a potential £25 million January deal.
It is not certain, at this stage, how Werner’s future impacts their pursuit of the so-called ‘Norwegian Neymar’. There is also the future of Manor Solomon to consider. The former Fulham loanee, like Werner, prefers to play off the left-hand side.
Solomon has not featured since September due to injury, however, and is unlikely to return before the end of the season.
“He works with the best people in the profession in the world. He is slowly starting to catch up. Let’s pray that this is his last injury, and he will come back stronger,” Solomon’s agent told Sport1 in March.
“Manor will know how to be ready for Tottenham next year. They are building with him and did not sign him for one year but for five years.
“He underwent a small operation 10 days ago. In five, six weeks, he may start running again. (Solomon has had) a lot of bad luck. But it is better that he arrives ready for the next season.
“With God’s help, we will soon see him back on the grass.”