Due to Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles tendon recovery, Liverpool are heading into the new season with only Alexander Isak up front, but they could reportedly make a shock move to sign Nick Woltemade.
When Ekitike fell to the ground in pain during the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie against PSG, the worst was confirmed when it was revealed that he suffered a total rupture of his Achilles tendon.
The French striker was enjoying a fabulous first season at Anfield, scoring 17 goals and assisting 9 following his £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool. His absence was a major loss last season, and his absence this season will certainly be noticed even if Liverpool sign Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Now, reports suggest that Liverpool are considering a move to sign Woltemade from Newcastle United.
Woltemade free to leave St. James’ Park amid Liverpool and United interest
According to a report from Caught Offside journalist Mark Brus, Liverpool and Manchester United have been placed on alert amid Woltemade being made aware he is free to leave St. James’ Park this summer.
Brus reports: “Newcastle United are understood to have informed Nick Woltemade that he can leave the club on loan this summer, with interest growing.
“Somewhat surprisingly, I’m reliably told by sources with ties to the agents industry that Woltemade’s situation has Liverpool and Manchester United on alert. Although the Germany international has struggled at Newcastle, he’s long been highly regarded in the game, so could be seen as a tempting option for big clubs.
“A well-placed source previously informed us: “Nick Woltemade is expected to leave. Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Villa are interested, and Newcastle will listen to offers. One issue, though, is that they’re keen on a permanent sale for around €65m, but for now it’s probably more likely that clubs will seek a loan with an option to buy.”
“This source has now provided us with an update to say that both Liverpool and Man Utd are alert to Woltemade’s situation and considering him as an option to add depth to their squads this summer.”
A season-long loan for Woltemade would cure Ekitike headache without committing to a major transfer fee
Ekitike will reportedly be back in full training around Boxing Day this December, which means that making a permanent signing to cover for him makes little sense, even if I would Liverpool to use it as an excuse to sign Julian Alvarez.
It’s a good thing I’m not Liverpool’s sporting director, though, but the Reds do need cover in the striking department, which makes Woltemade an intriguing option.
The season before he joined Newcastle, Woltemade scored 17 goals for Stuttgart, and he managed 12 goals and 5 assists in his first season for the Toon, proving he can hack it in the Premier League.