Arriving in England as one of the hot property strikers in Europe, Timo Werner was seen as one who got away from Liverpool. Signing for Chelsea alongside compatriot Kai Havertz, Werner was seen as the main face of a new and improved Chelsea side built on a young, continental model. However, things quickly went south in England and Werner has struggled under both Frank Lampard and now Thomas Tuchel. So much so that a summer exit feels likely, and reports in Germany suggest an interesting deal.

With an exit likely, Werner will no doubt return to Germany. One deal that has been suggested would be a player-plus-cash deal with Borussia Dortmund. BVB are known to be struggling to keep hold of Erling Haaland if they do not make the UEFA Champions League, and it could be the trigger for the Blues to make a move if so. However, with a €75m release fee not kicking in until next season, Haaland would very much be a ‘name your price’ talent – and BVB could ask for a huge sum of money to sell early.

This could mean that Chelsea might need to look to give up Werner and also around the same fee they paid for the German. This would be an interesting move, albeit an admission that Werner has simply not worked out as a fit in the team or the wider Premier League. Diminutive and crafty, there was always a worry that Werner might struggle to make the most of his exceptional gifts in the English game.

Haaland, by contrast, is a player who looks almost perfect for a role in English football. Therefore, an exit is going to become pretty likely for Werner if Haaland could be obtained.

Would Timo Werner leave Chelsea after one season?

The reports around the player at the turn of the year suggested a willingness to stay on and keep improving. However, despite the arrival of Tuchel, Werner has gotten even worse in terms of consistent performance. As such, we could see an exit granted as the player grows tired of failing to play on a regular basis.

Werner is rated as a high calibre striker but perhaps someone who has note suited either of his Chelsea coaches in terms of playing style. Therefore, an exit could be permitted if it meant that another key player could be signed in replacement. With Haaland a more natural fit for Chelsea and the English game, he might be the ideal addition as opposed to persevering with the more specific fit of Werner.

Given his quality, though, the player and club might be uncertain about such a quick departure from one another. Though one thing is for sure – Werner has not settled in English football at all, and might find himself unable to settle in moving forward.

With so much to think about for all involved, and so many permutations, Chelsea might hope they can land their top striking target and get rid of a ‘flop’ at the same time.