Transfer Centre

Timo Werner warned off Liverpool move by Ralf Rangnick

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 February 2019

Werner warned off Liverpool move by Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick warns rumoured Liverpool target Timo Werner that he may 'struggle' at Anfield if he makes the switch, much in the same way as Naby Keita has.

RB Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick has warned striker Timo Werner that the grass is not always greener amid links with a move to Liverpool.

The Reds, along with Bayern Munich, are rumoured to have made an approach for the Germany international during the January transfer window.

Werner has hinted that he will consider a move away from the Red Bull Arena at the end of the season, and he may join former teammate Naby Keita in making the switch to Merseyside.

Keita cost Liverpool £53m but has struggled with form and fitness in his maiden campaign at Anfield, which Rangnick hopes may be enough to tempt Werner to put pen to paper on a new deal with Leipzig.

"Keita was an outstanding player here, but he's still struggling in Liverpool," he told Sky in Germany. "So far, he's not the player there that he was here. The surroundings must be right for Timo. That's the case here.

"We have gone to our financial limits with our offer [for Werner]. We know that he can earn more elsewhere, but he can also provide for himself for the rest of his life here. Financial aspects will not be the decisive factor, but rather the sporting perspective.

"We're trying to keep him. He knows he's very popular in the team, with the coach and the fans. He's a top player, and he has become one of the most exciting Bundesliga strikers in the country. He still has one-and-a-half years left of his contract, and I hope that he'll stay. But in the end, it's up to him."

Werner has scored 11 goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season.