Timo Werner's second half could determine his next stop

As RB Leipzig prepares to do battle with Borussia Dortmund, its star striker will be playing for a little more than just his team's hunt for a Champions League position.

Timo Werner is in a key stage of his career as it pertains to his contract, which expires in June 2020. The 22-year-old dynamo put together an excellent Hinrunde, but will need to ramp up his efforts even more if he wants to fully attract the attention of power clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid to make an offer to buy him this summer. Each club has been at least loosely linked to the Leipzig talent, but no formal offers have been made.

Clearly, Werner's potential for a move is in a "wait-and-see" mode for all involved and it is up to the striker to pave his way to a transfer. Werner reportedly wants a move to Bayern, but would likely have to think about a move to wing (at east partially) as Robert Lewandowski will be the team's striker of choice until at least June 2021.

Werner, who has tallied 13 goals and three assists in 21 games across all competitions this season, has taken the Hinrunde to peak the attention of those clubs, but now he must fully capitalize by putting his speed, skill, and talent on display as Die Roten Bullen seeks to solidify a spot for next season's Champions League.

That hunt starts on Saturday as Leipzig will challenge league leaders Borussia Dortmund.

This is an opportunity for Werner to use the spotlight of an important game to thrust himself into not just being a talent, but a player who can excel on the big stage. Dortmund will do its best to offer a physical and dynamic roadblock to Werner. Can he rise to the occasion and carry his team to a victory or will he wilt under the pressure of needing to carry the load against a word-class opponent?

Surely Werner's pending movement won't be gauged solely on this one game, but it could be an integral driver in helping him prove his mettle to the power clubs that are keeping an eye on him.

Will it be #TimoTime or will Werner's detractors be given more fuel to argue about what he can't do rather than what he can?

Time will tell, but Werner will at least have the opportunity to prove himself and not let his future he determined by the opinions of others.

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