Transfer News: Timo Werner urged to avoid Liverpool move by Ralf Rangnick

Liverpool target Timo Werner has been warned against making his way to the Premier League in the summer by RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick.

In an interview with Sky in Germany, Ralf Rangnick has had his say about the speculation surrounding Timo Werner, who is reportedly being courted by Liverpool. The RB Leipzig boss has urged his star striker to reject a move to the Premier League, citing the struggles of Naby Keita at Anfield.

Tino Werner has been a hot property in the transfer market ever since he joined RB Leipzig from boyhood club VfB Stuttgart. His true rise to prominence occurred when Ralph Hasenhuttl converted him into a striker, with the player spending most of his days in youth football as an erratic winger.

While a tally of 55 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances might not inspire a lot of confidence, the German international has shown enough quality to suggest that he is a promising striker who, at 22, has a long way to go before he reaches his peak. This quality has attracted some of the biggest clubs in the world, with Liverpool in particular being linked with him most heavily.

The Reds are not really in need of a striker, with Mohamed Salah taking to the role quite well over the course of this season. In addition to the Egyptian, Roberto Firmino is also tasked to lead the line for Liverpool, when Jurgen Klopp makes use of the 4-3-3 formation.

But, a closer look suggests that Liverpool could perhaps do with a beefing up of the squad, with Klopp’s backup options in attack not performing consistently, whenever called upon. The Merseyside club have thus, been linked with a few attacking prospects of late, with Werner also a viable target, although interest in him has waned somewhat.

The Reds’ Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal have also been reportedly scouting the German striker, which suggests a move to the English top flight could be in the offing. But, RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick has weighed in on the rumours.

“Keita was an outstanding player here, but he’s still struggling in Liverpool. So far, he’s not the player there that he was here. The surroundings must be right for Timo. That’s the case here.”

Rangnick does make a valid point. But, in addition to struggling to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, the player could also have a battle on his hands to receive as regular game time as he receives at Leipzig, should he make his way to Anfield, or Arsenal for that matter.

With less than 18 months left on his current deal with Leipzig, the Bundesliga club could be forced to sell him if they are unable to tie him to a new contract. It now remains to be seen if Werner heeds the advice of his manager to stay put at Leipzig, or if he joins Liverpool or some other Premier League club.