Former Newcastle United midfielder Dietmar Hamann has slammed Nick Woltemade for joining Juventus.
A hectic final 24 hours of the window resulted in the Magpies signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo. His £51million arrival cleared the path for Juve to sign Woltemade on a season-long loan.
In what could prove to be his final Newcastle act, the German set up Yoane Wissa against Tottenham Hotspur. But in truth, Woltemade’s confidence has taken a turn for the worse in recent months and he did not look a good fit under Eddie Howe or Matthias Jaissle.
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‘I don’t like’ - Dietmar Hamann
Hamann - who played in the 1998 FA Cup final for Newcastle - has condemned the move. Speaking to Sky in Germany, the 53-year-old claimed Borussia Dortmund would have been a better fit.
“I was surprised when I read it,” Hamann said. “I think he would have fitted in at Dortmund. In Italy, Milan have been where the action has been in recent years.
“Juventus do not play in the Champions League. In terms of quality, though, they are a pretty good team I would have stayed at Newcastle. I would have preferred to see him move to BVB. I don’t really like the move.”
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Newcastle United statement
The Magpies wished Woltemade well once his move to Italy was confirmed. A club statement read: “Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade has completed a season-long loan move to Serie A side Juventus.
“The German international has featured 53 times in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, since joining the Magpies from VfB Stuttgart last summer. Nick appeared as a second-half substitute during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League victory away to Tottenham Hotspur.
“The 24-year-old will now link up with Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus, who sit fourth in the Italian top-flight after winning both of their opening fixtures. Everybody at Newcastle United wishes Nick the very best of luck for the season ahead.”