German international Timo Werner prepares to embark on a new professional chapter in Major League Soccer as he nears a permanent move to the San Jose Earthquakes. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 29-year-old forward has reached a verbal agreement with the California-based club to end his current tenure at RB Leipzig during the January transfer window.
Werner expects to finalize the contract and undergo official proceedings in the coming days, marking his departure from European football after successful stints in the Bundesliga and the Premier League. The Earthquakes intend to utilize Werner as a centerpiece of their offensive strategy for the upcoming 2026 season.
While Werner finalizes his exit from Germany, Chelsea has confirmed a significant departure from their women’s squad. Midfielder Oriane Jean-Francois has officially completed a permanent transfer to fellow Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old French international joined the Blues in July 2024 following a productive two-year period with Paris Saint-Germain. Jean-Francois initially showcased her talent on the European stage, making her competitive debut for Chelsea against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on October 8, 2024.
The midfielder’s move to Birmingham follows a series of winter recruitments by Aston Villa as they look to strengthen their domestic standing. Reports indicate that Villa secured Jean-Francois for a significant fee, underlining the club’s commitment to competing at the highest level of the WSL. Chelsea released a formal statement on Monday acknowledging the contributions of the French midfielder during her time in London.
“Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Oriane the very best for the future as she begins a new chapter in her career,” Chelsea’s statement reads.
For Werner, the move to San Jose represents an opportunity to revitalize a career that saw him lift the UEFA Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2021. Despite recent challenges in reclaiming his peak scoring form at RB Leipzig, the German striker remains a high-profile acquisition for the MLS. The Earthquakes hierarchy believes that Werner’s explosive pace and top-flight experience will provide the necessary firepower to challenge for the playoffs in the Western Conference.
The concurrent departures of these two former Chelsea players highlight the shifting dynamics within both the men’s and women’s transfer markets this winter. As Werner prepares for the physicality of North American soccer, Jean-Francois shifts her focus to establishing herself as a regular starter in the Villa Park engine room. Both players aim to maximize their impact in their respective new environments as the second half of the 2025–2026 football calendar unfolds.
About the Author
