The comments of RB Leipzig’s head of football, Oliver Mintzlaff, created a wave of panic among Chelsea supporters last weekend.
By denying that an agreement for Timo Werner to join Chelsea had been struck at the time, Mintzlaff was not lying but the deal is certain to be completed in the coming days once paperwork is finalised.
“We haven’t had an exchange with Chelsea yet. So far, Timo Werner has not drawn the clause nor has a club sent a transfer contract,” Mintzlaff told Sky Germany.
We have nothing to report and do not take part in the daily speculation.”
Fair enough but as the days have passed without confirmation those concerns have grown and the 24-year-old’s release clause repeatedly expires tomorrow, June 15.
So when can Blues fans expect to hear an announcement? Football.london attempts to explain a complex situation.
Sort of. Werner’s £53million release clause expires then according to various reputable sources in England and Germany. And the fee reduces significantly next summer, which could see the likes of Liverpool re-establish their interest.
But it is not clear whether there needs to be a signed and sealed contract or a verbal agreement should suffice.
The latter occurred a couple of weeks back and as a result there seems no risk of the move being called off.
So we should get an announcement soon?
Possibly but it is at the discretion of the clubs when they want to announce it publicly.
How come?
Leipzig do not operate on the stock market, meaning that they do not need to inform shareholders by a certain deadline.
Basically, a deal could be 100% done but not announced until a later date that is convenient for both clubs and the player.
What about a medical?
This is one of the outstanding issues, as reported elsewhere in the past few days.
Leipzig still have three Bundesliga games remaining, meaning Werner cannot travel to London.
Chelsea’s medical staff would not be able to go to Leipzig without then having to spend two weeks in quarantine upon their return to England.
That is unfeasible right now but again there is no sense of panic from those involved.
Werner had a previous move fall through at the 11th hour but there is nothing to worry about here?
Sure, the striker was about to join Bayern Munich last summer and had said his farewells to Leipzig but then the goalposts moved and he had to stay put for another season, signing a new deal with this £53million release clause.
There is no indication of that happening with Chelsea as all parties are in agreement with only minor, final details to sort as of the end of last week.
So when will he officially be a Chelsea player?
That depends on when the transfer window actually opens but also the Champions League.
Werner could stay at Leipzig until Julian Nagelsmann’s side are knocked out.