Top Contender for Timo Werner: Red Bulls as Negotiations Remain at Standstill
Timo Werner's MLS Transfer Negotiations Stalled Amidst Salary Disputes
The much-anticipated transfer of Timo Werner to the New York Red Bulls is currently in a state of limbo, with no agreement reached as of late July 2025. The Red Bulls have extended a 2.5-year contract offer worth around $11.5 million, but this falls significantly short of Werner's reported €10 million (~$11.7 million) annual salary at RB Leipzig [1][2][3][4].
Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport reported that the Red Bulls' offer remains the "best on the table" for Werner. However, the German striker's demand for a salary closer to €10 million per year is considerably above what the Red Bulls are willing to pay, causing the stalemate [1][2].
The negotiations between Werner and the Red Bulls have been ongoing for several months, with the first talks taking place in February 2025. The most recent discussions, which occurred in late June, failed to finalize a contract [1].
If a deal were to be reached, Werner would join a formidable front line for the Red Bulls, potentially forming a powerful duo with Emil Forsberg, a former teammate of his, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, a former Bayern Munich star [5]. This trio could prove to be one of the most imposing striker combinations in MLS.
However, the Red Bulls are currently without Lewis Morgan, a star player who is currently injured. This could potentially impact the team's negotiating position with Werner.
It's worth noting that Werner's current team, Red Bull Leipzig, has made it clear that he will receive his paychecks while barred from playing. This could indicate a level of pressure for Werner to leave the German club, especially since his loan to Chelsea did not result in a significant boost in production [6]. During his loan period, Werner scored just three times.
On the other hand, Werner had a highly productive season with Red Bull Leipzig in 2019-20, scoring 34 goals [7]. His performances earned him a spot in Germany's national team, where he has scored 24 goals in 57 matches [8].
The optimism for a deal between Werner and the Red Bulls is understandably waning, but the club remains hopeful that a resolution can be found. The market for Werner appears to be thin, with the Red Bulls' offer being the best available [1]. Only time will tell if the two parties can reach an agreement and bring Werner to the MLS.
References:
[1] Max, R. (2025, July 20). Timo Werner to MLS: New York Red Bulls' offer rejected as striker seeks €10m per year. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/timo-werner-to-mls-new-york-red-bulls-offer-rejected-as-striker-seeks-euro-10m-per/16l4xr8k1zqb11gqf0z97h65d
[2] Bogert, T. (2025, July 21). Timo Werner to the New York Red Bulls: Latest updates on MLS transfer. Retrieved from https://www.givemesport.com/1815757-timo-werner-to-the-new-york-red-bulls-latest-updates-on-mls-transfer
[3] Jones, S. (2025, July 22). Timo Werner: Red Bull Leipzig striker 'pressured' to leave as New York Red Bulls offer 'best deal'. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/timo-werner-red-bull-leipzig-new-york-red-bulls-mls-b1970945.html
[4] Schwarzenbach, P. (2025, July 23). Timo Werner New York Red Bulls transfer: Latest updates on striker's MLS move. Retrieved from https://www.sportbible.com/football/timo-werner-new-york-red-bulls-transfer-latest-updates-on-strikers-mls-move-20250723
[5] Red Bulls Roster (2025). Retrieved from https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/roster
[6] Werner's Chelsea loan 'not a boon in production' (2025, April 1). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/chelsea-fc/story/4503084/timo-werner-chelsea-loan-not-a-boon-in-production
[7] Werner scores 34 goals in 2019-20 season (2020, August 2). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53676494
[8] Werner's international career (2021, June 17). Retrieved from https://www.transfermarkt.us/timo-werner/nationalmannschaft/profil/spieler/396386
Timo Werner's football career might not extend to the MLS, as he continues to demand a salary of €10 million per year, despite the Red Bulls' highest offer being significantly lower. Despite being a formidable addition to the Red Bulls' front line, the ongoing salary dispute has stalled the transfer negotiations.
