Timo Werner urged to think twice about joining Liverpool

Timo Werner should think twice about joining Liverpool if the opportunity arises this summer, according to RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick.

The striker has been linked with a move to Merseyside, but Rangnick has used Naby Keita’s struggles as an example of how difficult it can be to adapt to a new league.

Would Werner face similar struggles to Keita at Liverpool? Five key things to know…

1. Keita arrived at Liverpool from Leipzig last summer having made 58 Bundesliga appearances over two seasons, scoring 14 goals.
2. The midfielder was highly rated in Germany but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, failing to score and providing just one assist in 18 matches.
3. Reports in Germany have suggested Liverpool are considering a move for Werner, who played alongside Keita at Leipzig last season.
4. Keita was expected to be an instant regular at Anfield but has struggled to secure regular game time, while Werner would likely play second fiddle to Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the short term.
5. Werner has scored 13 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions so far this season and is among the most highly rated strikers in the Bundesliga.

Werner is Leipzig’s top scorer in the Bundesliga this term, finding the net 11 times in 19 games so far.

And Rangnick, who is currently in his second spell as Leipzig manager, believes Werner should consider Keita’s difficulties before potentially deciding to sign for Liverpool.

“Keita was an outstanding player here, but he’s still struggling in Liverpool,” Rangnick said, according Buli News.

“So far, he’s not the player there that he was here. The surroundings must be right for Timo. That’s the case here.”

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Rangnick: Werner won’t be tempted by money

It is likely Liverpool and other potential suitors in Europe will be able to offer Werner, who is out of contract at the end of next season, an improved salary.

However, Rangnick has insisted Leipzig are doing their best to convince Werner to stay at the club, suggesting money will not turn the 22-year-old’s head.

The Leipzig boss said: “We have gone to our financial limit with our offer. We know that he can earn more elsewhere, but he can also provide for himself for the rest of his life here. The financial aspect will not be the decisive factor, but rather the sporting perspective.

“We’re trying to keep him. He knows he’s very popular in the team, with the coach and the fans. He’s a top player, and he has become one of the most exciting Bundesliga strikers in the country.

“He still has one and a half year left of his contract, and I hope that he’ll stay. But in the end, it’s up to him.”

Host Jake Entwistle is joined by Sam Long and Will Hall for this week’s Squawka Talker to discuss Man City 3-1 Arsenal, the Bundesliga title race, Gonzalo Higuain’s start to life at Chelsea, the best of the rest beyond the ‘Big Six’ and the upcoming El Clasico.

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