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Jeff Carlisle
Multiple Authors
The San Jose Earthquakes announced the signing of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner as a designated player through the 2028 season on Thursday.
At 29 years old, Werner comes to the Quakes after a limited season, having played only 13 minutes in three games. However, San Jose’s manager Bruce Arena believes the former Germany international can significantly enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
With the departures of both Josef Martínez and Cristian Espinoza to free agency, and reports indicating that forward Cristian Arango may join Colombian club Atlético Nacional, Werner’s signing is a timely boost for the club.
“Choosing to move to America is a significant decision, but everything points to a successful experience,” Werner stated. “The stadium and facilities are remarkable. I was particularly impressed that an accomplished manager like Bruce [Arena], who has had so much success in this league, personally traveled to Germany to discuss the team’s plans with me.”
He added, “Earthquakes fans can expect a player who gives his all on the pitch every game. I’ve always aimed to win trophies at every club I’ve been with, and that’s why I want to come to San Jose — to win.”
San Jose is hopeful that Werner’s arrival will mark a turning point for the team, which has seen better days. The Earthquakes won MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003 but have struggled to make a significant impact in the league.
In recent years, the Quakes have only qualified for the MLS postseason three times in the last 13 seasons and have never hosted a playoff match at PayPal Stadium. They narrowly missed the playoffs last season, finishing level on points with ninth-placed Real Salt Lake but lost out on the tiebreaker.
Arena is optimistic that Werner will help steer the team back to success. “We believe he will be a tremendous addition to both the team and the league,” he told ESPN. “He has plenty of good years ahead of him, brings vast experience, and is technically skillful. We hope he embraces this opportunity and becomes a leader for us.”
In light of Werner’s limited playing time at Leipzig, Arena remarked, “I have no concerns about it. At least he has been training regularly. He is a dedicated professional and will surely find his rhythm.”
The negotiations for Werner took approximately two months, culminating in Arena’s trip to Germany in December to personally pitch the opportunity in San Jose. “We’re aligned in our vision,” Arena said regarding Werner. “He understands the challenges we face, and he’s highly motivated to succeed here.”
Arena further noted, “Our club is evolving to be more competitive and to cultivate a winning culture. For too long, we’ve been stagnant, and we’re making strides to change that. Bringing in a player like Timo sends a strong local message about our ambitions. We’re close to turning the corner and aiming for victories.”
With 57 caps for Germany, Werner had his most successful period at Leipzig from 2016 to 2020, netting 95 goals in 159 league and cup matches. Afterward, he spent two seasons at Chelsea FC, scoring 23 goals in 89 appearances across all competitions and began his career at VfB Stuttgart, where he rose through the ranks of their academy.
Most recently, Werner had a loan stint with Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored three goals in 41 combined appearances in league and cups.
Throughout his career, Werner has played both as a forward and a winger. Arena indicated that they would use preseason training to determine the best fit for him within the team structure. “Adjusting to a new environment takes time for most international players. We must be patient and assess how he integrates with our squad. He will play in one of our attacking roles, be it as a second striker or wide player; we’ll figure it out,” Arena stated.