Leipzig, Aug 10 (AP) Timo Werner is heading back to RB Leipzig after an underwhelming two-year stint at Chelsea.

The Germany forward and the two clubs confirmed the move on Tuesday, with Werner having been left out of Chelsea's squad for the team's Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.

Also Read | Manchester City Transfer News: Sergio Gomez Set To Join Premier League Champions.

“Today marks the end of my journey with Chelsea FC,” Werner said in a written message to the London club's supporters. “I felt so much love and support throughout the last two years and I will never forget how you guys stood behind me in good and in challenging times!”

Werner became Leipzig's record scorer in his first four-year stint at the club, netting 95 goals in 159 games. He has also scored 24 goals in 53 internationals for Germany.

Also Read | Timo Werner Transfer News: German Striker Returns to Leipzig From Chelsea With a Four-Year Contract Until 2026.

But he couldn't replicate that scoring rate at Chelsea, where he stood out more for missing chances than for putting them away during his first season in 2020-21. He scored a total of just 10 Premier League goals during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge but did play a vital role in Chelsea's Champions League victory in 2021, scoring against Real Madrid in the semifinals.

Having cost Chelsea in the region of 50 million pounds ($60 million) in 2020, British media said Leipzig paid about half that to bring him back.

“Timo Werner is a fantastic striker who brings another dynamic to our attack thanks to his profile,” said Leipzig's technical director Christopher Vivell. “His speed and finishing is fantastic; he'll bring our attacking game to another level and above all, make us even more unpredictable.”

Werner's departure leaves Chelsea short on strikers, with Romelu Lukaku having rejoined Inter Milan on loan. Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel opted to play winger Raheem Sterling up front in the 1-0 win at Everton but has said the club will try to add attacking options before the end of the transfer window. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)