Former USMNT defender Janusz Michallik has warned Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag not to sign former Chelsea forward Timo Werner in a move that would see the German return to the Premier League.
The ex-Blues striker arrived at Stamford Bridge back in 2020 under Frank Lampard after impressing for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, but was ultimately underwhelming in front of goal for Chelsea.
He recorded just 23 goals in 89 appearances for the Blues over two seasons but did help the club win their second Champions League as well as a UEFA Super Cup and a Club World Cup.
However, he was eventually slapped on the chopping block with the club eventually selling the 27-year-old back to Leipzig last summer in a £25million deal. Even though he’s continued to struggle with life back in Germany having scored just twice in 12 appearances so far this season, there are links of a move back to England for the star.
Amid rumours around a potential deal with Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham, Man United are another side that reportedly have Werner on their radar, meaning all four teams could be in a heated battle to sign the star come the January transfer window.
With Jadon Sancho set to be sold after his exile and Marcus Rashford failing to deliver goals this season, Ten Hag is believed to be looking for a strike partner to Rasmus Hojlund who is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having failed to score in all nine of his appearances in the league so far.
However, Michallik has his doubts about Werner’s proposed move to Old Trafford after his struggles at Leipzig and spell at Chelsea and believes Ten Hag would be better off looking elsewhere. Discussing his potential return to England on ESPN, he said: “I saw a rumour of him going to Real Madrid.
“I mean, look, he needs to nail down a starting position at Leipzig. He hasn’t been playing; he hasn’t been scoring. He’s had some injuries as well.
“I think at this stage, having already played in the Premier League, everybody deserves a second chance and you know what? Maybe, maybe he’d be better. But I wouldn’t take a chance on that.”