Nick Woltemade has confirmed he’s getting used to life in the Premier League for Newcastle United.
Woltemade started life at Newcastle United incredibly well and while the goals have dried up of late, context must be applied.
This is a player making a huge physical step up from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, all while not having a back-up option on which to lean.
To have already scored six goals is an impressive return, although it is worth mentioning that recent performances have been somewhat disappointing.
That is true of the team as a whole, however.
Woltemade initially struggled with the physicality of the Premier League but, speaking ahead of Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg, he sounded positive about his ever-increasing fitness.
Nick Woltemade in training with the German national team in November 2025.
Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images
Nick Woltemade confirms he’s feeling so much fitter at Newcastle United now
Newcastle’s club-record signing was on press conference duty alongside manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Naturally, as one of the most expensive German players of all time, Woltemade was asked about what he’s learned about life in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old admitted that he initially struggled with the physical demands of the Premier League, but is now feeling much fitter.
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”The biggest difference is the intensity and physicality – that took some getting used to,” he said during the press conference.
“In the first few games I was getting cramp quite regularly. But now my game’s become more intense – I can sprint more, press more effectively, and contribute better defensively. It’s really improved my overall game.”
Nick Woltemade’s fitness update is even more alarming for Eddie Howe
Obviously, the German is hardly going to come and say he is still finding the pace of the Premier League difficult even if he was.
Still, taking that at face value, the fact his recent struggles don’t appear to be down to fitness issues is even more alarming for Eddie Howe.
It’s increasingly looking like a tactical issue. Woltemade has looked frustrated at Newcastle recently, with the team failing to function with him up front.
Howe has to find the best from Woltemade. He can’t exactly make himself into Alexander Isak.
There have been doubts about whether Woltemade is suited to the Premier League, or at least the brand of football Newcastle have previously played in it. On paper, he doesn’t look suited to a team who play with a high press.
He’s done his part on the fitness front, now it’s time for Howe to try and prove those doubters wrong by finding a way to yield the most out of him.