In a move that adds star power and pace to Major League Soccer, Timo Werner has swapped RB Leipzig for the San Jose Earthquakes, the German club confirmed on Thursday.
The 29‑year‑old forward agreed to terminate his Leipzig contract six months early to join the MLS side on a deal running until June 2028.
San Jose’s capture of Werner follows a summer of German talent heading to North America; he becomes the second high‑profile German international to land in MLS after Thomas Müller.
Bruce Arena, San Jose’s sporting director and head coach, hailed the signing as a statement. “To have a player of Timo’s caliber coming in is simply outstanding for the club and the community,” Arena said, praising Werner’s experience, leadership and quality.
Leipzig pay tribute to club icon
RB Leipzig paid warm tribute to Werner’s legacy.
Marcel Schaefer, the club’s managing director for sport, called him “an undeniable part of the success story of RB Leipzig” and wished him well in the United States. Werner departs as Leipzig’s record goalscorer, having netted 113 goals in 216 appearances across all competitions — a tally that cements his place in the club’s history.
A career of peaks and pivots
Werner’s career has been a rollercoaster of dazzling highs and testing spells. After exploding onto the scene with 28 Bundesliga goals in the 2019–20 season, he earned a big‑money move to Chelsea, where he lifted the Champions League in 2021 but struggled for consistent form.
A return to Leipzig in 2022 and a loan stint at Tottenham followed, but the forward never quite rediscovered his most lethal touch in England.
This season offered limited opportunities — Werner made just three Bundesliga appearances before agreeing the early exit that paves his way to MLS.
Looking ahead to a fresh start
Werner said the recent months had been challenging but framed the move as a fresh chapter. “I’ve learned a lot and will take that with me for the future,” he reflected. He will finish training in Leipzig before relocating to the United States in mid‑February to join the Earthquakes ahead of the MLS season.
International record and legacy
On the international stage, Werner has 57 caps for Germany and 24 goals, though he has not been called up since June 2023. Now, with a new home in California, he will aim to rekindle the form that once made him one of Europe’s most feared finishers — and to bring goals, experience and a headline‑grabbing presence to the MLS.
