RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner says he would probably have joined Bayern Munich had they made a move for him ahead of last season.
Werner, 21, joined Bundesliga rivals Leipzig in the summer of 2016 for €10 million from Stuttgart, who at the time had just suffered relegation from Germany’s top flight.
“Of course, I have to say that perhaps I would have moved to Bayern Munich if they had come calling before RB Leipzig,” Werner told Die Welt.
“I would have felt honoured because Leipzig wasn’t an established side at the time.”
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said last month that the German champions had missed a trick in not adding Werner to their ranks when they had the chance.
However, the Germany international has no regrets about joining Leipzig — runners-up last season and again currently Bayern’s nearest challengers in the Bundesliga, six points behind this term.
“I think moving to Leipzig has worked out perfectly for me. I was able to fulfil my potential here and get playing time,” he said. “I’ve definitely developed as a player. It was the best move for me.”
Werner is aware that he is a target for other clubs, but said: “My focus is on RB. I am under contract for another 30 months. I have no pressure.
“The club must decide when it’s the right time to extend the contract and I must see if it’s the right time for me to extend. And we’ll come to an agreement — one way or the other.”
Werner also compared the recent explosion in transfer fees to the rise in mobile phone prices.
“I think we have arrived at a point where footballers are no longer considered people but products,” he said.
“An iPhone used to cost around €600, now it’s almost €1,100. The market has developed that way. Quality players of the calibre of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo will cost €500m in 10 years’ time.”
Mark Lovell covers Bayern Munich for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @LovellLowdown.