'Son Heung-min's former Tottenham teammate' Timo Werner (29) has joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Son Heung-min (33, LAFC), who first stepped onto the U.S. stage, welcomed him.
San Jose Earthquakes announced on the 30th (Korean time) on the club's official website that they had fully acquired forward Werner, who played for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. The contract runs through June 2028.
Werner is expected to join the team as soon as his visa and international transfer certificate are issued.
He joined San Jose as a designated player.
The designated player rule is an MLS salary cap exception. Each club can have up to three designated players. Even if salary and transfer fees are high, only a certain amount is counted toward the salary cap. The excess is borne by the club. Beginning with David Beckham, top European players such as Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) have joined MLS under this rule.
San Jose paid $50,000 in allocation money this year and secured the discovery priority that had been held by the New York Red Bulls for this acquisition. A club holding discovery rights can have the first opportunity to negotiate for a particular player.
Bruce Arena, San Jose general manager and head coach, has high expectations for Werner. He said, "He is a player who will be a big help to the team. This is a meaningful signing for both San Jose and the local community. He will bring his on-field ability, experience and leadership to the team."
Werner has experience in the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Last season he lifted the Europa League trophy at Tottenham with Son Heung-min. In Germany he won the DFB-Pokal and the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup. With the German national team he tasted victory in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Werner said, "The decision to go to the United States was not easy. But I decided to transfer because I judged that all the conditions for success were in place. The club's plan was also impressive. I will be a player who gives everything in every match."
Since his professional debut, Werner built his career moving between the German and English stages. He has played 451 official matches and scored 154 goals. By league standards he has 54 assists. His speed is a strength. He carries the nickname 'Turbo Timo.'
San Jose aims to rebound with Werner at the forefront. They begin the MLS new season with an opener against Sporting Kansas City on Feb. 22.
Upon hearing the news of Werner's arrival in MLS, Son Heung-min shared a post Werner uploaded on his social media account to celebrate his new start in the United States.
Werner uploaded a photo taken when he and Son Heung-min celebrated winning the Europa League during their Tottenham days.<
[Photo] San Jose Earthquakes
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