Nick Woltemade of Germany is challenged by Lubomir Satka of Slovakia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovakia and Germany at Narodny futbalovy stadion on September 04, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)placeholder image
Nick Woltemade of Germany is challenged by Lubomir Satka of Slovakia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovakia and Germany at Narodny futbalovy stadion on September 04, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United new signing Nick Woltemade was part of the Germany team that suffered a surprise defeat to Slovakian.
Nick Woltemade made his first appearance since becoming Newcastle United’s club-record signing.
The 6ft 6in striker played a full 90 minutes for Germany as they suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opening World Cup qualifier on Thursday night.
Woltemade joined the Magpies for £69million from Stuttgart last weekend and watched the goalless draw at Leeds United from the Elland Road stands before linking up with the German national team.
With West Ham United’s Niclas Fullkrug nursing a calf issue, the 23-year-old led the line in Slovakia but chances to score past former Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka were few and far between.
And defensively, the German back four was leaky, conceding to David Hancko of Atletico Madrid on the brink of half-time before Middlesbrough forward David Strelec doubled the advantage in the 55th minute.
Newcastle United new signing Nick Woltemade criticised by German media
Following the result, the German media expressed their anger at manager Julian Nagelsmann and his players, with Woltemade among those in the firing line.
Frankfurter Rundschau rated Woltemade 5/10, writing “third international match, third start. It was the new Newcastle striker's most underwhelming performance in a German national team jersey.”
Bullinews gave Woltemade 4/10 and said: “Woltemade started brightly, providing a clever backheel pass to Leon Goretzka, but it proved to be a frustrating evening for Newcastle’s new signing. He struggled to capitalise on the crosses that came his way and lost possession too often.”
What next for Nick Woltemade
Germany and Woltemade now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash against Northern Ireland in Cologne before the striker begins his Newcastle journey.
Woltemade will train with Eddie Howe’s squad for the first time ahead of his potential against Wolverhampton Wanderers next Saturday. Although Woltemade arrives with a hefty price tag, Howe has already called for patience as he adapts from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.
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Howe said after the Leeds draw: “Yeah, it was absolutely massive for us to sign a striker. I thought we had to. But I'm really pleased to get one with the quality that he possesses. I think he's not just a big presence, and he will be that in the box for us, but he's got unbelievable technical ability.
“He's got creativity as well. Everything that we were probably lacking today, I think he can bring.
“There will be a period where he has to adapt to the Premier League. It's always very difficult for anyone to come straight into the league. So, I've got really high hopes for him. Obviously, I don't want to add to the pressure that he's going to be under, but I think he can be a difference-maker.”
Nick Woltemade reacts to joining Newcastle United
On joining Newcastle, Woltemade said: “I'm really happy to be at this amazing club. From the first contact, I felt like the club really wanted me and had big plans for me.
"It's a big step in my life to leave Germany but everybody has welcomed me so well and it already feels like family. I have a really good feeling from speaking to the head coach that this is the right place for me to find my best level.
"I know the stadium from watching games on television - it looks amazing and I know the atmosphere is crazy. I'm really excited to play and start scoring goals here."
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