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Nick Woltemade has enjoyed a fine few months since joining Newcastle United for a club-record £69million.
Julian Nagelsmann believes Nick Woltemade is “comfortable” at Newcastle United while hailing his start to life at St James’ Park.
German football was in uproar when the 23-year-old moved to Tyneside for £69million in August. Several senior figures at Bayern Munich hit out at Woltemade’s transfer fee - a sentiment viewed as “sour grapes” by Newcastle fans.
Woltemade - despite limited service - has enjoyed a solid start in black-and-white stripes. He has bagged six goals across all competitions in a struggling Newcastle side.
Julian Nagelsmann on Nick Woltemade
Speaking ahead of Germany’s clash against Luxembourg tonight, Nagelsmann praised Woltemade’s meteoric rise over the past 18 months. The Toon star was signed by Stuttgart for a free transfer in July 2024 and representing his country at senior level was a pipe dream.
“His development has been very positive,” Nagelsmann said. “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 under-21 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) tomorrow (Friday) and (against Slovakia) on Monday. I am very pleased with him.”
‘Transfer fee irrelevant’ - Eddie Howe
Hitting back at the Bayern critics, Eddie Howe defended Woltemade over a price tag that is out of his hands. He told reporters: "It's irrelevant, really. The market forces dictate transfers fees – not necessarily any one club.
"We're very pleased to have Nick with us. I think he's started very strongly in what has been a difficult period for him because he's been thrust straight into action with no training time of note with us.
"He's done really well. We're really pleased to have him with us and the transfer fee is absolutely irrelevant."
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Nick Woltemade on Eddie Howe
On working under Howe, Wotlemade said last month: “He (Howe) makes me feel good. I have one-on-one conversations with him every day. They are mostly about topics that have nothing to do with football. Like my move, or how my family is doing.
“It is a great working culture here. When you score as a striker on the pitch the feeling is really good. But also outside (of football), I feel really good. The gaffer is such a good gaffer. I’ve only been here for four weeks but I feel such a good connection.”
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