“RB Leipzig can challenge this year” – Timo Werner on his new contract

RB Leipzig bolted Timo Werner down to a four-year contract, and the Germany forward duly scored in the 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old has now explained what kept him at the club…

Werner has scored 52 goals in 95 Bundesliga games since joining Leipzig from VfB Stuttgart in 2016 - the kind of form that has seen some of the biggest clubs at home and abroad linked with a move for him - but the striker is convinced he can fulfil his ambition at the Red Bull Arena.

Werner was among the goals as Leipzig beat Frankfurt 2-1 on Sunday. - 2019 Getty Images

“In the end I thought it might be best to stick with RB Leipzig,” explained Werner, who also has 10 goals in 25 international appearances with Germany. “We have a new coach and better players. I saw that there was potential and I’ve seen that we can really challenge this year, above all.”

Julian Nagelsmann replaced Ralf Rangnick as coach in the summer, and new signings such as Christopher Nkunku and Ademola Lookman have already made their presence felt.  Werner remains the club’s top goalscorer with two goals from two games, though, and is happy where he is.

Watch: Timo Werner's Bundesliga mixtape!

“I’ve re-signed for Leipzig and I don’t need to say more on the matter,” he concluded. “Speculation is up to other people.”

“This is a clear signal that we’re not a selling club,” added Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. “We’re very happy about the contract. Timo has said that moving abroad holds little interest for him right now.”

Werner is next in action on Friday, when Leipzig raise the curtain on Matchday 3 in what should be a thrilling encounter against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Borussia-Park.

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