San Jose Earthquakes sign German international Timo Werner through 2028

The MLS club lands one of the biggest signings in franchise history.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:39pm

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The San Jose Earthquakes have completed a major move, signing German forward Timo Werner as a designated player through June 2028. Werner, 29, joins the Quakes after stints with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as most recently with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Why it matters

This signing represents a significant coup for the Earthquakes, who have landed one of the top international talents in global soccer. Werner's arrival bolsters the Quakes' attack after the departures of key offensive players Josef Martínez and Cristian Espinoza.

The details

Werner, who has scored 153 goals and provided 86 assists in 449 professional appearances, joins the Earthquakes as a designated player. He has extensive experience at the highest levels, including winning the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2021.

  • The Earthquakes announced the signing on January 29, 2026.
  • Werner's contract runs through June 2028.

The players

Timo Werner

A 29-year-old German forward who has played for Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and RB Leipzig, and has 24 goals in 57 caps for the German national team.

Josef Martínez

A former Earthquakes forward who departed the club as a free agent.

Cristian Espinoza

A former Earthquakes forward who departed the club as a free agent.

Cristian Arango

A current Earthquakes forward rumored to be making a move to Colombian club Atlético Nacional.

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What they’re saying

“It's always a big decision to go to America, but everything is there to be successful.”

— Timo Werner (NBC Bay Area)

What’s next

Werner is expected to join the Earthquakes for preseason training in the coming weeks as he integrates into the team ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

The takeaway

The Earthquakes have made a major statement with the signing of Timo Werner, one of the most accomplished international players to join MLS in recent memory. This move signals the club's ambition to compete at the highest levels and build a roster capable of challenging for trophies.