Nick Woltemade of Germany looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Germany and Northern Ireland at RheinEnergieStadion on September 07, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)placeholder image
Nick Woltemade of Germany looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Germany and Northern Ireland at RheinEnergieStadion on September 07, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Nick Woltemade will make his Newcastle United debut against Wolves - but will it be as a starter or substitute?
Eddie Howe may have already hinted that Nick Woltemade will start Newcastle United’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
The Magpies signed both Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in the final few days of the summer transfer window, and many had expected the latter to lead the attack versus Wolves due to his Premier League experience.
However, Wissa has been ruled out of the match due to a knee issue sustained on international duty with DR Congo, paving the way for Woltemade.
Eddie Howe ‘really pleased’ with Nick Woltemade in training
The 6ft 6in striker joined from Stuttgart for a club-record £69million and linked up with his new teammates for the first time this week after spending the international break with Germany.
“Yes, he's fine, he's trained well, I've been really pleased with how he's looked in the first couple of days,” Howe said. “A big change for him, a big opportunity for him as well.
“I think he's got a great nature, a great character, he's very calm, he's gone straight into our training and not looked out of place, showed his qualities so I'm really pleased with how he's settled in.”
Eddie Howe drops Nick Woltemade starting hint?
Howe then dropped a potential hint over Woltemade, admitting he had “no hesitation” in playing his new signings.
He said: “Yes, I think we always view it very much individually, I don't think there's a set formula for new players. It all depends on your need and their fitness and form. I have no hesitation playing any of the new players currently.”
Eddie Howe calls for patience for Nick Woltemade
Whether Woltemade is in the starting XI or coming off the bench in the coming weeks, Howe has called for patience as his new signing transitions from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.
Although the Magpies paid a big fee for Woltemade, he is still relatively new to level football, having only last season made a name for himself at Stuttgart. Howe compared Woltemade’s situation to the man he has effectively been signed to replace.
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Howe told NewcastleWorld: "I think we need some understanding, which I know the Newcastle supporters will give him because in my experience here, they've been very understanding of every situation that a player faces.
“It's a very difficult league to come into and instantly feel at ease and comfortable within it. Now, some players have done that and we certainly hope Nick is one of those that looks comfortable in the Premier League with the speed change, etc, all the challenges that he's going to face.
“But it's worth remembering back to Alex [Isak], Alex didn't play every game at the start. He was rotated with Callum and he was bedded in gently and I think that really helped his long-term success. So, every player is different.
“Let's wait and see what happens with Nick, but we certainly support him through every moment."
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