Nick Woltemade is reportedly attracting interest from three top-tier clubs as Newcastle United face the possibility of yet another major summer exit without much coming in to replace the outgoing talent.
CaughtOffside’s Mark Brus reported on Thursday that Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa are all monitoring the Germany international after his difficult first season at St James’ Park under manager Eddie Howe.
Woltemade joined Newcastle last summer in a move viewed as a major coup, but
his role under Howe has become a talking point after he was used in different positions, out of his more natural and fitting places, and for the second part of the season, simply left off Howe’s plans nearly entirely.
“It’s no secret that Woltemade struggled in his first season for Newcastle,” Brus wrote, adding that there have been “some differences in opinion” between Woltemade and Howe over his best position and role.
One source with ties to agents in the football industry told CaughtOffside that Woltemade’s departure is now expected.
“Nick Woltemade is expected to leave,” the source said, per Brus. “Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Villa are interested, and Newcastle will listen to offers.”
The same source claimed Newcastle would prefer a permanent sale worth around €65 million than a loan, even with a mandatory buy option attached to it, although interested clubs may initially push for that sort of deal to ease the financial impact.
Another source told CaughtOffside that Woltemade’s camp has not been fully satisfied with his development under Howe, which won’t contribute to his chances of staying put in Tyneside.
Woltemade wrapped up his first season with the Magpies appearing in 33 EPL games, scoring 8 goals and assisting on three more, while also contributing a goal and an assists in 10 Champions League outings.
