Could Tottenham cancel Timo Werner's loan? RB Leipzig reluctant to take back maligned forward due to wages and following poor run of form

The 28-year-old striker has failed to impress during his time in the Premier League this season, marking the first half of the campaign with minimal impact. His latest appearance, a substitute cameo in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton, provided no respite, as Werner again struggled to find the back of the net.

Werner is contracted with Leipzig until 2026, meaning a return to the Bundesliga outfit is inevitable by July 1, 2024, if no alternative arrangement is found. However, according to Bild, Leipzig are reluctant to accelerate his return in January as they are unwilling to shoulder Werner’s annual salary of €10 million (£8m), which would strain their budget as he continues to struggle to rediscover his goal-scoring form.

Werner’s decline has been stark. Once regarded as Germany’s premier striker, he thrived during his first stint at RB Leipzig, where he scored an impressive 95 goals in 159 matches from 2016 to 2020. His performances elevated him to the forefront of German football and made him a key player for the national team. But with time, his scoring prowess has waned and he has become a peripheral figure in north London.

As the January transfer window approaches, speculation about Werner’s future is likely to intensify. While Tottenham seem eager to part ways, Leipzig are equally cautious about reintegrating an out-of-form player into their squad. Whether he stays in the Premier League or returns to Germany, one thing is clear: Werner’s current form must improve if he hopes to reclaim his status as one of Europe’s top strikers.