Hamann outlines why Werner should snub Liverpool for Man Utd, Chelsea
Ex-Reds midfielder, Didi Hamann has spoken of his reasons as to why he believes Timo Werner should favour a move to Man Utd or Chelsea, rather than his former club Liverpool.
The RB Leipzig striker has become one of the hottest properties in European football, racking up an incredible 26 goals and 10 assists in all competitions in the current campaign.
His prolific forward play has catapulted Leipzig firmly into the Bundesliga title race, but has also attracted the attentions of the Premier League’s heavy-hitters.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have become the favourite to land the 23-year-old in most people’s eyes, with the latest report suggesting his acquisition could be made to work in harmony with their current front three, rather than replacing one of them.
Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has moved to warn his star striker off a move to England, and now Hamann is the latest to have his say on a potential move to Anfield.
Writing in his column for Sky, the 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool wrote: “Timo Werner has continuously improved, he has scored again in the Champions League and has already scored more than 20 goals in the Bundesliga this season.
“I trust him to play in a very big team soon. It is of course an honour for him to be linked to Liverpool.
“The question is: does he match Liverpool? For me he is strongest when he comes through the middle and can use his greatest weapon: his speed.
“With [Roberto] Firmino, Liverpool have a striker who is always playable and connects a lot with his team-mates.
“If Werner went to Liverpool, I would rather see him outside, but there are two absolute grenades in the team with [Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah. If none of the three strikers get injured or move, he won’t play and I don’t think that’s what he wants.
“Liverpool is the absolute benchmark, but in my view he would be better suited to Manchester United or Chelsea.”
The Reds, meanwhile, face an uphill struggle to defend their European crown after slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
Despite miraculous European performances in their recent history, Hamann believes his former side may struggle to overcome Diego Simeone’s resilient team.
“It will be difficult for Liverpool after the defeat at Atletico,” he said.
“After winning 4-0 in the second leg last season against Barcelona [in the semi-finals], everyone thinks they can do it, but they didn’t have a single shot on goal in Madrid.
“It is nothing new, however, that they have their problems away from home, that was already the case last season. Atletico will also tear up in Liverpool, I expect a fascinating second leg.”
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