Major League Soccer(MLS) continues to establish itself as an attractive destination for international players, and one of the most talked-about moves of the 2026 winter transfer window is the arrival of Timo Werner at the San Jose Earthquakes in California.
The 29-year-old German striker, who played for European clubs such as VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, signed a designated player contract with the Earthquakes until June 2028. This deal represents one of the most important signings in the recent history of the U.S. club.
European trajectory and transition to the MLS
Timo Werner, born in Stuttgart and considered one of the most promising young talents in German soccer over the past decade, made his professional debut with VfB Stuttgart.
Club with which he began to stand out for his speed and goal-scoring ability.
He subsequently established himself as a star player at RB Leipzig.
Where he scored most of his goals and established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s leading strikers.
In 2020, the player made the jump to Chelsea FC, with whom he won the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League.
Although his performance in England was irregular and marked by injuries and adaptation.
Most recently, he had a spell at Tottenham Hotspur, before returning to Leipzig for the 2025-26 season.
Despite his prestigious track record, Timo Werner made just three appearances for Leipzig this season.
Accumulating little playing time before making the decision to move to MLS in search of more consistent opportunities on the field.
Impact on San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes, who finished the 2025 season in tenth place in the Western Conference, see Timo Werner as a high-profile reinforcement to revitalize their attack.
The striker joins other key players at the club under head coach Bruce Arena.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the signing and his confidence that Werner can make a difference in the team’s offense.
The designated player contract allows Timo Werner to become one of the highest paid players on the roster, a key tool in MLS to attract high-level international talent.
He signed a contract as a 'designated player'
QuéOnnda.com
What does this signing mean for MLS?
Timo Werner’s arrival not only draws attention to his European club resume and his international experience with the German national team, where he made 57 appearances and scored 24 goals.
But also because it reinforces the MLS trend of attracting players in the mature stages of their careers who still have competitive potential.
For Hispanic fans living in the United States, this signing represents another chapter in the growing interaction between European soccer and the U.S. league.
In which prominent figures seek not only to revitalize their careers, but also to contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.
Timo Werner’s expected debut with the Earthquakes is scheduled for the 2026 regular season.
In the hope that the striker will regain the form that brought him to prominence in Europe and become a key player for the Californian club’s aspirations.
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