Newcastle United club-record signing Nick Woltemade has been linked with a return to Germany.
Alan Shearer believes it is too early for Newcastle United to contemplate selling Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade joined the Magpies from Stuttgart last summer for a club-record £64million, with the striker scoring nine goals in his opening 22 appearances. Since Christmas, however, his form has dipped significantly, managing just one goal in his last 19 outings.
Part of the reason for the goals drying up is that Eddie Howe has experimented with Woltemade in midfield. Failing to get the best out of the German has led to speculation surrounding his future.
Alan Shearer on whether Newcastle United should sell Nick Woltemade
Despite being critical of Woltemade himself recently, Shearer doesn’t believe Newcastle should give up on their 6ft 6in centre-forward just yet.
“I think it's really early for Newcastle to sell Nick Woltemade,” Shearer told Betfair. “There's no doubt there's talent in there. We saw that when he first arrived but for whatever reason, and I guess there are multiple reasons.
“It's not just playing him in midfield because at times he did look laboured and slow. At times the pace, power and energy of the Premier League looked a little bit too much for him. But there's no doubt there's talent and ability in there.
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“I guess it’s just about trying to get that out of him in whatever position because at the minute he hasn't suited Newcastle and Newcastle hasn't suited him particularly.
“He did have a good start but we haven't seen a lot of that, and he will say because he's been played out of position that he hasn’t been at his best and I totally understand that and get that. I guess he's been a victim of what's happened at Newcastle this season, unfortunately for him.”
Nick Woltemade fires back at his critics
Speaking during the recent international break, Woltemade hit out at those focusing on his goalscoring form due to the recent midfield switch. He admitted he prefers to play up front but has been able to “expand his repertoire” under Howe.
“It bothers me,” Woltemade said when asked about the criticism. “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.”
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