Leipzig re-sign Timo Werner: "Chelsea move helped me"

Timo Werner says Chelsea move helped him as he completes his transfer back to German club RB Leipzig on a four-year deal

RB Leipzig has re-signed Chelsea striker Timo Werner on a four-year contract.

The 26-year-old returns to the Bundesliga after leaving two years ago to join Chelsea, who activated his £45 million release clause.

However, the German has been unable to replicate his goal-scoring form at Stamford Bridge, where he scored 23 times in 89 appearances across all competitions.

Werner has signed a contract with RB Leipzig, where he scored 95 goals in 159 games across all competitions, and will wear the No 11 shirt.

He was set to return to the club on a season-long loan with a buy option.

But talks between the two clubs moved quickly, and an agreement was reached for the Germany international's permanent transfer.

He's back! 💪 pic.twitter.com/aRIhgSK8OV

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 9, 2022

Timo Werner wanted to return to his old club and get regular game time in order to make Hansi Flick's Germany squad for the World Cup in November.

His relationship with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was also said to be a source of contention.

Though Tuchel was said to be unwilling to let the forward leave.

Werner, who was also wanted by Juventus, appeared in only 15 Premier League games last season, scoring four times.

Timo Werner did not play in Chelsea's season-opening victory over Everton.

Timo Werner says he is excited by his return to RB Leipzig in an open letter posted twitter

"I'm very happy to be able to play for RB Leipzig again. 

I had a great time here between 2016 and 2020, when we performed brilliantly as newcomers in the league.

"It was a dignified departure for me to leave the club as record goalscorer, but that's in the past now and I'm looking ahead, because both I and the club have developed in the past two years.

"I had two great years at Chelsea that I'm really grateful for and were crowned with the Champions League trophy. 

The experience to play abroad in a new league really helped me and my career.

"Now I'm looking forward to the new season with RB Leipzig and above all to meeting the Leipzig fans again, who mean a great deal to me.

"We want to achieve a lot and of course, I want to become the first Leipzig player to reach the 100-goal mark."

👋 @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/ak5cSXiqbR

— Timo Werner (@TimoWerner) August 9, 2022