Earlier today, the Soccer Saturday panel were discussing the ongoing situation at Chelsea, where Newcastle target Timo Werner was mentioned.
Specifically, Paul Merson was very firm on the topic, and made it clear in no uncertain terms that he doesn’t rate the £268,000-a-week man.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Bild who revealed that Newcastle are interested in signing Werner, who has struggled at Stamford Bridge.
The Germany international has only scored 19 goals in 80 games for the Blues, and Merson believe Thomas Tuchel wouldn’t miss him if he left.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday, the 54-year-old said: “If Werner’s not there, I’m not being horrible but it won’t make much difference. He hasn’t fulfilled his potential.”
As things stand, Merson is spot on.
Of course, the 26-year-old can still turn things around in west London.
However, with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz to compete with, it will take a real show of faith from Tuchel for that to happen.
Newcastle should sign Timo Werner, on one condition
Recently, we explained why Newcastle should avoid a move for Werner, after an embarrassing statistic emerged.
According to WhoScored, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has created more clear-cut chances than the German in the Premier League this season.
We stand by our opinion, although the Magpies should explore a move on one condition – if Chelsea sell their No.11 for a cut-price fee.
It will soon be all change at Stamford Bridge after the UK Government sanctioned Roman Abramovich, and depending on who the new owners are, Chelsea may need to sell some players to balance the books.
Therefore, if Werner becomes available for a fee in the region of £20m – £25m, we think Newcastle should pursue a move.
There’s no denying that the former RB Leipzig striker has struggled in the Premier League, but with 95 goals in 159 games for the German side, he clearly has talent.
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