A potential high-profile transfer involving German striker Timo Werner is currently facing significant hurdles, according to reports originating from Leipzig. RB Leipzig is reportedly keen to facilitate a move for Werner, with their sister club, the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS), being the preferred destination.
However, the primary sticking point preventing the deal from advancing appears to be financial. While both clubs, linked through the Red Bull footballing network, might seem like natural partners for such a transaction, the salary demands for the player are proving difficult for the American side to meet.
Initial reports suggested Werner`s representatives were seeking a two-year contract valued at an annual salary of €10 million. This figure has reportedly been adjusted downwards to €7 million per year over the same two-year period. Despite this substantial reduction from the initial demand, the New York Red Bulls organization still considers this amount to be excessive within the context of MLS salary structures.
Adding an interesting layer of context to the situation is Werner`s current salary at RB Leipzig, which is reported to be in the region of €11.1 million annually. This means the player is indeed willing to accept a significant pay cut to facilitate a move. One could perhaps note, with a touch of irony, that “significant pay cut” in this context still represents a rather robust financial package by most standards, particularly outside of European football`s top tier.
Despite the ongoing salary disagreements, a move to MLS this summer is still considered likely. This is partly due to a reported lack of significant interest from other clubs in Germany or abroad for the player who recently returned from a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Furthermore, Werner is understood to be personally interested in the prospect of playing in New York and working under German head coach Sandro Schwarz at the MLS founder club.
Ultimately, while the desire from RB Leipzig to move Werner and the player`s apparent willingness to explore the MLS option are clear, the financial gap remains the principal obstacle. The negotiation over the final salary figure continues to be the key factor determining whether the German international will swap the Bundesliga for the bright lights and different financial landscape of New York.
