Nick Woltemade is back on the goal trail for Germany amid Bayern Munich response
Nick Woltemade of Germany with Head coach Julian Nagelsmann
Nick Woltemade of Germany with Head coach Julian Nagelsmann (Image: 2025 Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto)
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Nick Woltemade's summer transfer to Newcastle United provoked a lot of reaction in Germany and the big striker has been proving critics wrong ever since.
Woltemade joined the Magpies in a stunning £69million move after Newcastle swooped out of nowhere to pinch the player ahead of Bayern Munich.
The Bundesliga giants had been hoping to sign Woltemade from Stuttgart, but had been unwilling to meet the asking price. Newcastle took advantage and completed a swift deal to land the highly-rated 6ft 6in frontman.
It prompted a bad case of sour grapes from a number of German football observers. Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge dubbed United 'idiots' for paying such a high fee and he is one of a number of officials to take a public pop at the Woltemade deal.
Woltemade has been an instant hit on Tyneside, however. He has scored six goals this season, although his form has dipped slightly recently in conjunction with Newcastle's wider struggles.
However, he looks set to start for the national side tonight against Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifier after bagging his first senior goal for Germany during the last round of international fixtures, netting against Northern Ireland.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been extremely impressed with the progress Woltemade has made since joining Newcastle, a move which he attributes to helping the forward's development as in contrast to his old club Munich he hailed the transfer switch.
“His development has been very positive," said Nagelsmann. "Moving to another country, where a different style of football is played, is never entirely easy.
"He has already scored a few times, feels comfortable in the city, and I think the overall situation feels great for both him and us.
"He is an excellent player who quickly went from the U21 European Championship final to becoming a regular starter with us. He is currently in high demand because he is performing very well and has already found the net.
"I hope he continues like this [against Luxembourg] and [against Slovakia] on Monday. I am very pleased with him.”
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