Nick Woltemade was linked with Bayern Munich before deciding to join Newcastle Unitedplaceholder image
Nick Woltemade was linked with Bayern Munich before deciding to join Newcastle United | Getty Images, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich
Nick Woltemade is linked with a Newcastle United exit but German media should not get carried away.
Newcastle United have no plans to cash in on record signing Nick Woltemade this summer.
There was an element of panic to the German’s arrival on Tyneside in August. Alexander Isak was heading towards the St James' Park exit and the Magpies fired blanks in two of their opening three games.
Was Woltemade on Newcastle’s wish list heading into the transfer window? No. But the clock was ticking and Toon chiefs pounced to sign the top scorer at the recent under-21s Euros.
Bayern Munich fury
Bayern Munich had a bid rejected just weeks earlier, with Newcastle gazumping the Bundesliga giants in transfer fee and wages. This did not sit down well with the Bavarians, who are used to getting their own way with domestic talents.
Many senior Bayern figures blasted the signing - with those in Toon circles believing the comments to be sour grapes. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a club legend and boardroom official, called Newcastle “idiots” for stumping up £69million.
Newcastle United could sell this summer?
Woltemade started brightly on Tyneside - scoring four in his first five Premier League games to silence the noise following Isak’s departure. However, the goals have dried up, with the 6ft 6in striker failing to bag in his last 14 appearances.
An audacious report from Football Insider earlier this week claimed Newcastle would be willing to sell Woltemade for £40million. This piqued the interest of German outlets backing Bayern to renew their interest.
Newcastle United stance on Nick Woltemade
NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies would not entertain an offer below the fee paid last summer. Eddie Howe pushed to sign the 23-year-old and views him as a long-term addition.
Recent weeks have seen the Toon boss favour Anthony Gordon or Yoane Wissa up front, with Woltemade’s self-belief taking a hit. Cashing in on the club’s record buy would be an admission of guilt and concrete confidence remains that he will come good.
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When asked about Woltemade’s form last week, Howe said: “He is young - new league - he started so well, everyone expected that to continue. He’s still getting to grips with the challenges of the Premier League - the speed, intensity and physicality.
“Teams are getting to know him - he has to find solutions the other way. There’s work for him to do but he’s done everything with such a great attitude in such a great way which means he will continue to be successful.”
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