Timo Werner warned he must accept major compromise as Lyon consider surprise offer after RB Leipzig star turned down MLS transfer

According to Foot Mercato, the French club are closely monitoring the German forward’s situation at RB Leipzig and could make a push in the final hours of the transfer window if circumstances arise. The 29-year-old was offered to the French club earlier this summer as a potential reinforcement for Paulo Fonseca’s squad. 

However, initial talks stalled due to the former Tottenham and Chelsea man’s salary demands, which were deemed far beyond the club’s reach. Despite this, Lyon’s management have kept the option on standby while exploring other winger targets. If those alternatives fall through, Werner’s name is expected to resurface on the shortlist.

Werner, who is tied to Leipzig until 2026, would only be allowed to leave if the Bundesliga side fears losing him for free next year. Lyon is ready to play the waiting game until the final stages of the market to pressure Leipzig into a deal. However, the biggest obstacle remains his reported €900,000-per-month wages. For a transfer to happen, the German international would have to agree to a major pay cut, potentially reducing his salary by three or four times, to make any move possible.

Notably, Lyon’s wage bill is under strict supervision, meaning any deal must be financially sustainable. Still, club chief Michele Kang is aware that late-market desperation and opportunity could give them a chance to sign Werner. 

The German spent last season on loan at Tottenham from Leipzig. However, he struggled to make an impact, scoring just one goal in 27 games in all competitions. He made just four starts in the Premier League under now-ex Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou before returning to Germany.

Since then, he was offered a path out of Leipzig by New York Red Bulls. The forward has rejected the offer, but the MLS side have kept it open until next week.

Lyon will continue pursuing other winger targets amid an uncertain financial situation. However, if those moves fail, they may reignite talks with Leipzig over Werner in a last-minute bid to strengthen Fonseca’s attack before the window closes.

Additional reporting by Patrick Tchanhoun.