Newcastle United are in a race against time to hand Nick Woltemade his debut against Leeds United on Saturday.
The Magpies travel to Elland Road this weekend, aiming to bounce back from their agonising defeat to Liverpool.
It will be a very different game for Eddie Howe’s side, but a challenging one nonetheless. That is because of the striker situation at the club, with Alexander Isak refusing to play and Anthony Gordon suspended after his red card against Liverpool.
Will Osula could start for Newcastle, but there is also now the possibility of a new signing being involved.
Nick Woltemade is set to join for a club-record fee of £65million from Stuttgart, and there is an outside chance that he features at Elland Road.
Nick Woltemade in action for Stuttgart against Bayern Munich.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Newcastle United in a race against time to register Nick Woltemade
Time is very much of the essence, as Newcastle United attempt to sign Nick Woltemade in time for him to be involved in Saturday’s game.
The 23-year-old landed on Tyneside on Thursday night, as this deal moves at a rapid pace.
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It is a good job too, as Newcastle United need to get Woltemade registered and put into their Premier League squad by 12pm on Friday in order for him to be available to face Leeds.
It will certainly be tight, but the Magpies have given themselves a great chance by getting Woltemade to fly in on Thursday night.
If his medical can be completed and the paperwork finalised by midday then Toon fans travelling to Elland Road could be treated to a debut from what will be Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.
Why Nick Woltemade is unlikely to start against Leeds United
If Newcastle United are able to get Woltemade registered in time to face Leeds, do not be surprised if he is not named in Howe’s starting XI.
The Newcastle United manager very rarely throws new signings straight into his starting lineup, especially ones who have come from overseas.
If the German striker is lucky, he will have trained once with his new teammates before the Leeds game. That will not be enough time to get him up to speed and caught up with Howe’s tactical demands.
Should Woltemade feature on Saturday evening, it will be as a substitute. However, that is no less exciting given the speed that this marquee deal is accelerating at.
If the Magpies are unable to get him registered in time, his debut will come after the international break. Newcastle face Wolves at St James’ Park on 13th September.