Chelsea are preparing a swoop for 6’6″ forward Nick Woltemade, having reportedly met him to discuss a transfer move before the U21 Euros. The Premier League side are keeping tabs on his form on the pitch and contract situation. This has pushed Stuttgart to sit up and begin plans to retain the young striker with an extended contract.
Woltemade’s current contract, under which he signed when he arrived in Stuttgart on a free transfer in 2024, expires in 2028. However, his elevation to superstardom has been phenomenal, and his new contract is expected to come with an enormous pay hike to put him at parity with his new stature. Negotiations will reportedly begin in the days to come.
Ever since his transfer to Stuttgart from Werder Bremen, Woltemade has made a giant leap. He scored 17 goals last season, one of which came in the DFB-Pokal final, which Stuttgart won. His hard work did not go unrewarded, as he was selected for the senior German national team. He even played his first game in the Nations League semi-final against Portugal in June.
His technical ability and stature have made him a rare player. The towering forward has been complimented for being more than just a physical presence, but for his style of play. Interest has gone across Europe. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Everton are all interested, as are the Blues.
Everton are allegedly “monitoring” the striker as they look to bring in some new talent, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future uncertain.
Stuttgart Move Quickly to Stem Interest from Chelsea, Others
In spite of his long-term contract, Woltemade is currently being paid an estimated €1.5 million annually, a figure considered too little compared to his worth. Stuttgart’s delayed action to present new conditions was said to be deliberate. However, they must now work under pressure to improve his contract.
The club are committed to retaining their star man and have put a price on him of more than €40 million as an effort to spook suitors. But Woltemade hasn’t completely discounted a transfer, as he is reportedly willing to listen during the off-season.
The door left open is an invitation to Chelsea and other European powerhouses to test Stuttgart’s patience.