Rudiger explains role in Werner deal

Germany international Antonio Rudiger has revealed that he played an important role in the eventual switch of his compatriot, Timo Werner from RB Leipzig to Chelsea. He now wants to play a similar role as he hopes to help Chelsea secure the services of another Germany international, Kai Havertz.

Havertz is expected to make a £90 million (€100 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea, where he would link up with Germany team-mates Rudiger and Werner. Rudiger revealed in June he recommended the Blues do their utmost to sign Werner after being asked for an assessment of the striker.

Leverkusen boss Peter Bosz said on Monday he did not expect Havertz to train with the club again following his call-up to the Germany squad for Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland.

“I made my contribution to Timo. I hope that it will happen with Kai too,” Rudiger said when he was asked if he was trying to convince Havertz to join Chelsea.

Chelsea signed Werner from RB Leipzig for a reported £45 million (€50 million) after he scored 28 goals in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season. Only Beyern Munich attacker, Robert Lewandowski scored more goals than Havertz in the Bundesliga last season. The 24-year-old scored within four minutes of his debut as the Blues drew 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion in a friendly on Saturday and he is eager to continue his goalscoring exploits in the Premier League.
“What the club is asking of me is no less than I am asking of myself. The club bought me to score and I didn’t go to London to score 28 goals, saying a few at Leipzig is enough for me now,” said Werner.
“I want to prove it there as well as in Leipzig. It feels less like pressure for me, but more like anticipation that I can help celebrate successes.
“The defenders in England are more robust than in the Bundesliga. It’s much, much more physical in the Premier League.
“I have to develop myself and take on this physical challenge. English football is very fast. That suits me because I have reasonably good pace.”