Timo Werner was in the headlines yet again as a lacklustre perfomance in front of goal took Spurs to extra-time against fifth-tier side Tamworth. Ultimately, they managed to avoid an upset by coming out 3-0 victors.
As speculation surrounds Werner, however, interest in him remains on the continent, with one side keen to on-board him in this transfer window.
Timo Werner part of Napoli shortlist to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
As reported by Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Timo Werner is being considered by Napoli as one of the candidates to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that the 23-year-old Georgia international has asked for a move in the ongoing January transfer window.
Werner, on loan from Leipzig, was recently seen struggling against National League side Tamworth in Spurs’ FA Cup third round tie. Speculation continues surrounding him regarding whether Spurs would want to pick him permanently come the end of the season. The Germany international turns 29 in March and has to his name one goal and three assists from 26 games across all competitions this season.
In the Premier League, Liverpool and Mancjhester United are being linked with activating Kvaratskhelia’s £67m release clause. Both sides also have players Napoli are interested in, Federico Chiesa and Alejandro Garnacho.
TTLB Opinion
It’s safe to say Werner does not bring to the table the same level of creativity Kvaratskhelia does, but there are reasons to believe he could suit Conte’s setup.
Conte prefers a setup heavy with automatisms, which requires highly instructional coaching for most of his players—this is a setup Werner is more equipped to thrive in compared to Kvaratskhelia, who likes to operate off the cuff.
Werner is also a lot more reliant in terms of industry off the ball. He may no longer be reliant as a chief goal converter, but his defensive output and relentless movement over 90 minutes make him optimal for Conte, especially in a setup where other players are taking care of the goal-scoring responsibilities.
We can see this working for Napoli, if at all Ange Postecoglou agrees to let Werner leave mid-season.
