Nick Woltemade will be regretting his move to Newcastle United last summer, even if he smiles when he checks his bank balance.
BILD Stuttgart report comments from Stuttgart legends Karlheinz Förster and Hansi Müller regarding the 24-year-old. They both believe that the Germany striker will fully regret his choice last summer following a difficult first season in England.
Newcastle struggles
Nick Woltemade joined Newcastle last summer in a €75m deal as a replacement for Alexander Isak. At first, all appeared to be going well for the German striker.
He started the season in fine form, scoring four goals in his first five Premier League games, adding another three goals and an assist before the end of the year. The things took a turn for the worse.
He went 17 league games without another goal, only breaking that duck in the 3-1 win over West Ham United in May. He eventually lost his place in Eddie Howe’s starting line-up, with William Osula replacing him and impressing.
Woltemade regret
Woltemade has since admitted that he’s less than happy with how things have gone. And Förster believes that he will be openly regretting the move.
“Nick hasn’t really settled in at Newcastle yet, that’s the honest truth,” he said.
“I said as early as last summer that I was certain it would have been better for his development if he’d stayed at VFB for another year. Looking back, I feel vindicated. Of course, he’s earning a lot more money in England, but perhaps deep down he’s already regretted the move.”
Müller, meanwhile, believes the only happiness Woltemade will be getting at this moment in time is from his bank balance. He won the title alongside Förster in 1980 and also feels bad for the Newcastle striker.
“Of course, Nick beams every month when he checks his bank balance. But he’d certainly love to play from the start again and score a few goals,” he added.
Nick used to be a regular in the national team, but at the moment he’s not even in the picture there. That’s a bitter blow. And I feel really sorry for him. He’s a brilliant footballer and a great bloke.”