Nick Woltemade was expected to join Bayern Munich, but he is now set to become a Newcastle United player.
Amid the excitement of the Champions League draw, the Magpies were also making a major move behind the scenes.
News broke that Newcastle are set to sign Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. He has arrived in Tyneside to finalise the deal, as he prepares to become Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever at £65million.
It is a blockbuster deal that has come out of nowhere, but it certainly is not a panic buy. Nick Woltemade is a player they have followed for a long time, and someone they actually attempted to sign earlier in the summer.
Nick Woltemade celebrates with the trophy after winning the German Cup with Stuttgart.
Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Newcastle United tried to sign Nick Woltemade earlier this summer
That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who has exclusively spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle United’s club-record move for Woltemade.
“Whilst a surprise, Woltemade is a player Newcastle have been following for well over 12 months,” he said.
“They asked about him earlier in the summer but at that point he was intent on joining Bayern Munich. But their remaining budget went on Luis Diaz and Stuttgart would not consider a loan.
“It became known to Newcastle a few weeks ago and more recently it became known that the player wanted the move. That is exactly what Newcastle and Eddie Howe wanted to hear.”
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How Newcastle United view Nick Woltemade ‘internally’
Newcastle United fans are very excited about Woltemade’s arrival, and it is a deal that could unlock the door for Alexander Isak to join Liverpool.
It was reported earlier this week that Isak still wants to leave, despite holding a meeting with Newcastle United owner Jamie Reuben and club director Jacobo Solis.
With a marquee signing set to arrive, Bailey believes that a fresh approach for Isak from Liverpool can be expected.
“Newcastle were quick to move [for Woltemade],” he said.
“Woltemade is really seen as the Isak replacement internally. We can expect Liverpool to bid for him now.”
While signing Woltemade helps the situation, there are still no guarantees that Isak leaves. Newcastle’s valuation of £150million will need to be met, plus Howe will want to sign a second striker.
Newcastle want to buy Yoane Wissa from Brentford, but that will only happen if the Bees can secure a replacement.