Barnes explains why Liverpool’s softened Werner stance could pay off

Timo Werner TEAMtalk

Liverpool legend John Barnes has said that Liverpool’s reportedly relaxed approach over a move for Timo Werner could pay off if the striker is intent on moving to Anfield.

The RB Leipzig marksman, who has scored 27 goals in 36 appearances this term, has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield but the narrative is said to have changed in recent weeks.

It emerged earlier in the year that Werner has a £52million release clause in his contract, before a report claimed that Liverpool wanted more time to consider a move.

A further update claimed that such an approach was linked to the fact that the exit fee will decrease if third-placed Leipzig fail to win the Bundesliga title when the German top flight resumes.

Former forward Barnes explained how Liverpool’s most recent approach will tell them more clearly if Werner’s heart is truly set on moving to Anfield.

“They want players that want to play for Liverpool,” the pundit said. “I’m sure a lot of people were after [Virgil] Van Dijk, but he wanted to come to Liverpool.

“If they don’t get a move on and Manchester City or Arsenal or whoever else, Chelsea, come in for him and he decides to go there, that’s not the sort of player you want anyway, because he’ll just go where they’re going to pay him more money or he wasn’t that committed to wanting to come to play for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

“I don’t think they have to get a move on, they didn’t get a move on with Van Dijk or Alisson and a lot of people wanted them to, it’s because they wanted to come.

“This is a test to see if he really wants to come and play for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.”

Leipzig have also reportedly been doing their utmost to persuade Werner to stay at the club, including by reminding him of Naby Keita’s struggles since moving to Liverpool.

Keita made the same move in 2018 as Werner is being touted to make but he has struggled to take off under Jurgen Klopp due to a string of small injuries halting his progress.

Former Leipzig head coach Ralf Rangnick has explained his belief that Werner would flourish if he sealed a move to the Reds.