Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley is delighted with their deal for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

Liverpool were not prepared to match the £49million release clause in Werner's RB Leipzig contract. However, Chelsea have done so and agreed a deal with the German to move to Stamford Bridge.

"I think Liverpool clearly have the money but, as good as Timo Werner is and I think he's a brilliant player, he was a non-essential player for Liverpool," Burley told ESPN FC.

"So therefore with the restrictions and financial hit that clubs have taken, they're only going to spend money if they absolutely need to.

"Now, Chelsea's need was more because Tammy Abraham has done a fantastic job but he's not a German international, he hasn't got the quality or flexibility that Timo Werner brings.

"So he was an essential signing for Chelsea and I think that's why they've pushed the boat out, Abramovich has said 'Okay, we'll pay the release clause because we need this player, we want to get back to the top and he's essential for us'.

"He wasn't essential for Liverpool and I think that was a smart business move from them.

"Maybe not a smart football move, but a smart business move."