BERLIN – Germany forward Timo Werner said in an interview
published Saturday he would rather go abroad than join Bundesliga
champions Bayern Munich if he decides to leave RB Leipzig.
Werner has a contract in Leipzig until 2023 but can reportedly leave
for 60 million euros (65.8 million dollars) in summer.
Bayern were allegedly interested in him last year but a deal never
materialised, as Bayern reportedly turned their focus on Germany
winger Leroy Sane from Manchester City.
Premier League leaders Liverpool and Chelsea are among European clubs
also said to be after the 24-year-old, and Werner told the Bild paper
that a move within the Bundesliga was not likely.
"Bayern are a great club, we don't need to talk about it. And Hansi
Flick has proven this season that he's a really good coach. But if a
transfer should ever become an issue, I would rather move abroad than
to Bayern," Werner said.
"It's just that the challenge in another league would appeal to me a
little more than a transfer within the Bundesliga."
Werner also said that "mutual appreciation" was also an important
factor which may have not been the case last year with Munich as he
said "I cannot answer what motivated Bayern back then."
However, Werner also said he has no intention to leave Champions
League quarter-finalists Leipzig in summer at all costs.
"I appreciate a lot what I have at RB Leipzig and would therefore
never say: 'I absolutely have to get out of here!' he said.