Tottenham must make brutal £15m Timo Werner transfer decision – opinion

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Tottenham face a huge decision over the future of Timo Werner in the current months, with the forward nearing the end of his loan spell.

Timo Werner has been tasked with helping Tottenham get their push for Champions League qualification over the line this season. The forward joined in a surprise loan move from RB Leipzig in January to bolster the squad’s wide options.

The former Chelsea man hit the ground running with a few assists, while his general attitude and style of play have suited the team well. All that was missing was his first goal, something he finally secured against Crystal Palace.

The German international has done well, but questions remain over whether that move should be made permanent in the summer. Reports have claimed that a £15million clause exists in the loan deal with Leipzig that would allow for a switch at the end of the season.

Timo Werner transfer decision

A few factors have to be considered when it comes to a decision surrounding the future of Werner at Tottenham. The first is price, which isn’t a major issue, as not many players of the forward’s quality would be available at that range.

There’s also less risk in the fact that the 27-year-old has already featured for Spurs and has a good idea of the tactical philosophy. The issues come more in the type of player Ange Postecoglou needs at this very moment.

The wide areas, particularly on the left, could use a player that is more adept at one-on-one dribbling. Giving the intensity of the style of play, being able to isolate the opposition and create space against them in tight areas is ideal.

This is a type of option Postecoglou wouldn’t have in Werner, who is better at moving into space than creating it. A player such as Pedro Neto or Michael Olise may be a better fit, albeit for a much larger price tag.

However, with where Tottenham want to go, it would mark an important time to back the manager and push on. In Werner, there is a smart, tactically astute signing that will keep the squad at the current level, while other options are needed to take them to the next stage.

It would be a brutal decision for the Lilywhites to move on from the German international in the summer, but one that may be needed to continue progressing.