Ange Postecoglou has spoken about the future of RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner at Tottenham Hotspur beyond the season and admitted that the decision depends on a variety of factors, speaking in an interview as quoted by the Daily Briefing.
Werner joined Spurs in January on a loan deal with Spurs having a €17m clause inserted in the agreement to sign him permanently in the summer, should they decide to do so. The talented German whose first stint in England with Chelsea did not pan out as planned has had a much better time at the N17.
Constantly chipping in with crucial goals and assists in crucial moments, Werner worked his way into Postecoglou’s plans to such an extent that he started games regularly for Spurs. As luck may have it, an injury to Richarlison also helped him get an uninterrupted run in the team. That said, when it came to the big games, the German seemed to go missing.
Two goals and three assists in 13 Premier League games for the 28-year-old is nothing to write home about but Werner was much more than those numbers suggest. Unfortunately for him though, he got injured in the North London derby and is expected to sit out the season, hindering his chances of making this move permanent.
Ange seems skeptical at the moment
When quizzed about the former Chelsea man’s future at the N17, Ange was at his diplomatic best, not necessarily committing to transfer but not closing the door on one either. Here is what he had to say.
“We will decide at the end of the season. Are there going to be other gaps and where does Timo fit in with that strategy? We need to discuss the strategy and then decide. I think he’s been very good for us.”
The question that Tottenham need to answer is whether what Werner brings to the table makes up for what he isn’t on a football pitch. At this point of his career, it is blatantly clear that the German is never going to be a striker who can bang in 20 goals a season. What he does give Ange though is a joker card that he can use to fill any holes in attack.
The injury could not have come at a worse time for Werner. The 28-year-old could have shown Tottenham why they must keep him with his performances in the crucial last phase of this season. Instead, he will have to sit on the sidelines and watch as his side try and make an unlikely push for the top four.
The most important thing for Tottenham is that Werner is available for a meagre €17m fee – a bargain in today’s day and age. It might be too good of an offer to pass up on and this might work in the German’s favour. Let’s wait and see how it goes.
