Chelsea FC have officially confirmed the capture of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, thereby easing the anxiousness of many Blues supporters.
The agreement had been concluded a while back between Leipzig and Chelsea FC. However, a confirmation had not been made by either of the sides regarding the transfer.
The signing of Werner would be Lampard’s second major signing as Chelsea FC manager. Ajax maestro Hakim Ziyech was announced as the first singing earlier this year. The Blues coach has been very active in the transfer market of late, with the former player now focused upon acquiring Kai Havertz.
Chelsea FC have stated that Werner agreed on personal terms with the London-based Premier League side. However, the German international would continue to play for Leipzig for the remainder of the Bundesliga season. Afterwards, the forward will link up his new teammates in the month of July.
Werner has been one of the best players this season in the Bundesliga. The speedy German striker has scored 32 goals in 43 appearances for his side so far. Moreover, he has also assisted 13 times for his teammates in the Leipzig shirt.
Chelsea FC’s signing of Werner had sent shockwaves around the footballing world. Such an event was very unlikely due to Liverpool FC being considered the frontrunners in the race to sign the 24-year old. Also, Werner had himself voiced his desire of playing for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.
However, Liverpool FC were reluctant to pay the £47.5 million release clause for the player. As a result, the Merseyside club withdrew their interest in signing Werner and ended the negotiations. Lampard saw this as an opportunity and managed to sign the prolific goal scorer in a series of quick negotiations with Leipzig.
It is reported that Werner has signed a five-year contract with the Blues. The 24-year old is expected to earn £170,000-a-week. Werner had previously earned about £94,000-a-week at Leipzig, which is much less than what the player will earn playing for the Blues.
Werner recorded a video message for the Chelsea FC fans that was revealed by the Premier League side on its Twitter account. The playe is seen expressing his delight at the confirmation of his move to Stamford Bridge.
Blues fans, @TimoWerner has a message for you!
(Thanks for the video, @RBLeipzig_EN! 👊) pic.twitter.com/DzbmbF83wq
— Chelsea FC (at 🏡) (@ChelseaFC) June 18, 2020