San Jose – San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner has built his career around change, but his move to Major League Soccer marks a defining new chapter. The 29-year-old German international signed a designated player contract with San Jose through June 2028, giving the club one of the most accomplished players in its history and signaling a major statement of intent as the Earthquakes look to reshape their future.
“We’re excited about signing Timo Werner,” Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena said in a club statement. “He’ll be an excellent addition to our team, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to San Jose. Bringing in a player of Timo’s caliber is outstanding for both the club and the community. I believe he’ll offer us quality on the field, experience and leadership.”
“It’s always a big decision to go to America, but everything is in place to be successful,” Werner said in a club statement. “The stadium and the facilities are beautiful, and I was especially impressed that an experienced manager like Bruce, who has had so much success in the league, traveled to Germany to talk to me about the plan.
The Earthquakes fans can expect a player who gives everything on the pitch, every match. Every club I’ve joined, I’ve wanted to win a trophy, and I’ve always delivered. That’s why I want to come to San Jose: to win.”
The Earthquakes’ move for Werner followed the club’s acquisition of his Discovery Priority from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2025.
Werner’s rise began in Germany, where he made his professional debut with VfB Stuttgart in 2013. He emerged as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers during four standout seasons with RB Leipzig from 2016 to 2020, scoring 78 Bundesliga goals and earning widespread praise for his pace, movement, and finishing in the attacking third.
That production led to a high-profile transfer to Chelsea, where he was part of the squad that captured the UEFA Champions League title in 2021. While his time in England included silverware, it also brought challenges as his role shifted within the squad.
Subsequent returns to Leipzig and a loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur offered fewer opportunities. Werner saw limited minutes in both Germany and London earlier this season, and by the winter window, a fresh start became increasingly necessary, setting the stage for his move to San Jose.
“I think after a negative time, it was time for a change,” Werner said during his introductory press conference Friday. “That’s in the past now. The future is playing a lot of games and being successful in San Jose.”
Werner arrives in San Jose with 24 goals in 57 appearances for Germany and is confident he still has plenty to offer in a league that rewards pace, movement, and attacking freedom.
His signing also underscores the Earthquakes’ evolving ambitions under Arena. In his first season last year, Arena added established attacking talent in Cristian Arango and Josef Martínez, and San Jose remained in the playoff hunt until the final day, narrowly missing out as Real Salt Lake claimed the ninth and final postseason spot.
“It makes a statement that we want to be successful,” Arena said. “We’re moving in a new direction, focused on putting a strong product on the field and doing everything we can to win.”
Arena added the club expects to add another attacking player in the future.
Werner also becomes part of a growing wave of European stars heading to MLS. He noted that conversations with former Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min, now with Los Angeles FC, helped ease his decision to make the move.
San Jose will open the 2026 season on February 21 against Sporting Kansas City.
Photo by SJE
