Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has been linked with a return to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly monitoring Nick Woltemade’s situation at Newcastle United.
Reports in Germany claim Dortmund are exploring a move for a striker after top scorer Serhou Guirassy informed them of his desire to leave this summer should a suitable offer arrive.
Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani is said to be high on Dortmund’s list due to his £26million release clause, but he too is attracting interest from Premier League duo Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Borussia Dortmund monitoring Nick Woltemade
If that fails, BVB could consider a move for Woltemade, according to German newspaper Bild. However, it’s claimed that only a loan would be realistically possible, something the Magpies would be unlikely to agree to.
Bayern Munich tried to sign Woltemade last summer before the Magpies swooped in late in the window to complete a club-record £64million transfer. The 24-year-old was an instant hit initially, but has come under scrutiny, particularly since the turn of the year.
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And that is largely down to Eddie Howe playing Woltemade as a midfielder in recent months, whilst he has also left another big-money signing in Yoane Wissa on the bench in favour of playing Anthony Gordon - a recognised winger - as the central striker.
As a player tipped to lead Germany’s attack at this summer’s World Cup, Woltemade’s position change has caused a stir in Germany, forcing him to defend his form publicly.
“It bothers me,” Woltemade admitted. “If someone claims that I’m in a slump, I’d argue that this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games.
“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 metres from the opponent’s goal. I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season.
“Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space. Of course, I score far fewer goals now. But I’m completely relaxed. I don’t mind expanding my repertoire. And I’m convinced that, in the long run, it will make me stronger if I learn to navigate phases like this.”
While there is a lot of noise surrounding Woltemade’s future currently, a strong end to the season would go a long way to putting that to bed.
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