‘I needed something different’: Timo Werner still has plenty to show at San Jose

Timo Werner accepts that the peak years of his European career are behind him, but he does not see that as the end of his story. He said he enjoyed an extended run at the highest level—scoring heavily, winning the Champions League and starring for club and country—before form and opportunities dipped in recent seasons.

Now 30, he felt MLS offered the chance to rediscover his performance in a different environment. San Jose and Bruce Arena made a determined pitch. Arena travelled to Germany to meet Werner in person, vowed to back him and positioned the striker at the centre of a new project.

The move was not straightforward; there were other links in Europe and touches with MLS clubs, but both the manager’s commitment and Werner’s wish for a fresh start carried the deal over the line. Werner has also embraced a broader role on the pitch. Having evolved into a creator at Chelsea and Tottenham, he arrived in San Jose knowing his value is not only goals.

Germany, San Jose

timo werner, san jose, bruce arena, mls, striker, chelsea, tottenham, champions league, germany, fresh start