Newcastle United gazumped Bayern Munich to sign Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69million.
Michael Ballack has urged German football that “changes are needed” to prevent the likes of Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade joining the Premier League.
Two of the Bundesliga’s rising talents moved to England over the summer for a combined £185million. Bayern Munich - historically the club that mops up German talent - were outbidded by Liverpool and Newcastle United for the duo.
Toon chiefs moved for Woltemade as one of two replacements for wantaway striker Alexander Isak. Speaking to German outlet Bild, former Premier League midfielder Ballack called for change to combat English dominance.
Michael Ballack on Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade
“Of course, English clubs pay insane amounts,” he said. “But even for Wirtz, Bayern were prepared to put together a package worth up to €100million. And as for Nick Woltemade, that’s a different case.
“Bayern have a financial budget. The club has excelled for decades by staying out of debt and growing big. That’s why I understand why Bayern decided not to pay more than €55million for Woltemade because the player wasn’t worth more to them.
“But fundamentally, I’m concerned about something else. Let’s take Wirtz as an example: Does it make sense for him and his development to play in the Bundesliga for Bayern for another two or three years?
Of course, he wins championships there. But is the Bundesliga still a challenge for him at the highest level? No, because the Bundesliga was overtaken by the Premier League years ago. That’s the reality. That’s why it’s generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players. That’s why changes are needed.”
‘A big step’ - Nick Woltemade
In his first interview as a Newcastle player, Woltemade expressed his excitement to begin “scoring goals” at St James' Park. He told the club website: “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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Eddie Howe on Nick Woltemade
"We're delighted to get Nick's signing over the line so quickly,” Eddie Howe added. “He fits the profile for exactly what we have been looking to add to our attacking options.
"He's strong in a lot of areas - he has great technical ability and has proven himself to be a real threat in one of Europe's top leagues - but he's also still at an age where he has plenty of room to develop and grow here. Nick is a great character too and we're really pleased to welcome him to the group."
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