Transfer Centre

Marco Rose: 'No truth in claims Manchester United-linked Timo Werner could leave'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 December 2023

Rose: 'No truth in claims Man United-linked Werner could leave'

RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose plays down claims that Timo Werner has been given the green light to leave the club during the January transfer window.

RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose has played down suggestions that Timo Werner has been given the green light to leave the club during the January transfer window.

There is currently widespread speculation surrounding the 27-year-old's future, with Manchester United believed to have been alerted to his possible availability in the winter market.

According to German journalist Philipp Hinze, Leipzig would be willing to discuss a January transfer for the forward if he expressed a desire to depart.

However, during a press conference on Friday, Rose said that there was "no truth" to claims that the attacker could seek pastures new in the winter.

"There is no truth in that," Rose told reporters before insisting that no one at the club has "spoken in any way about a transfer" involving the German.

Timo Werner celebrates scoring for RB Leipzig against Celtic on October 11, 2022 © Reuters

Werner has only managed two goals and one assist in 13 appearances for Leipzig during the 2023-24 campaign, and he is currently on the sidelines with an adductor issue.

However, Rose has said that he is still counting on the forward, claiming that he is capable of 'leading the team with his quality and experience'.

"Timo is our player. Timo is a top player who has had a difficult season. I expect Timo to lead the team with his quality and experience," added the head coach.

Man United are believed to have identified the striker as a possible January target, with the club looking to bring in support for Rasmus Hojlund in the final third of the field.

Timo Werner in action for RB Leipzig on September 14, 2022 © Reuters

Hojlund has scored five times in the Champions League this season, but the Denmark international is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, while Anthony Martial is out of contract next June.

Werner previously played in England for Chelsea between 2020 and 2022, but he found it difficult to make his mark for the Blues and returned to Leipzig in August 2022.

The Germany international netted 23 times and registered 21 assists in 89 appearances for Chelsea, with his Premier League record standing at 10 goals and 13 assists in 56 appearances.

Werner has featured on 212 occasions for Leipzig, meanwhile, scoring 113 goals and registering 47 assists in the process.

Man United head coach Erik ten Hag has admitted that January additions are unlikely, but the club are said to be willing to listen to offers for both Raphael Varane and Casemiro, while Jadon Sancho is also set to move on, which would open up space in the squad for at least one new player to arrive.