Newcastle United’s attempts to reshape its attack have placed Nick Woltemade’s future under increasing scrutiny, with several reports over the past few days pointing toward a possible departure before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
That uncertainty might have taken its most significant step forward in the last few hours, as talkSPORT reported on Friday that Newcastle is “actively seeking to offload” the Germany international.
According to talkSPORT, the Magpies are no longer simply prepared to consider
approaches from outside, but are actively looking for a solution and pitching the player to other clubs only 12 months after making Woltemade its club-record signing.
“Newcastle are actively seeking to offload Nick Woltemade before the transfer window shuts, talkSPORT understands,“ the report says. ”It now appears that Woltemade is not part of the long-term plans at St James’ Park, with Newcastle keen to move him on. The Germany international may already have options to consider, with Napoli reportedly among those keen.“
The development follows a difficult first season for Woltemade on Tyneside after he arrived for a massive £69 million (€80 million) fee from Stuttgart. Woltemade started the season impressively but ultimately only scored 11 goals across 51 appearances, including eight in the Premier League, with his production dropping dramatically as the year progressed.
New manager and fellow German Matthias Jaissle initially appeared prepared to offer his compatriot another opportunity, but Woltemade was an unused substitute in Newcastle’s 2-2 league draw against Liverpool. He then started Wednesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Brom without scoring.
Making Newcastle’s job easier at finding Woltemade a new home is that there already is substantial interest in the Germany international.
Fabrizio Romano reported Thursday that Napoli had contacted Newcastle during the previous 24 hours to ask about Woltemade’s availability on loan.
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, meanwhile, reported that intermediaries held discussions with Stuttgart regarding a possible return to his former club, while Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also shown interest.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reported that Newcastle would risk negatively affecting its UEFA financial position by accepting a substantial permanent loss on Woltemade, making a temporary departure on loan more likely if he leaves this summer.
Newcastle’s incoming business could still determine whether anything happens, as the Magpies are pursuing at least one more attacker, with Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo the No. 1 target and Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss his preferred alternative.
Should Newcastle cut its losses on Woltemade now, or would a loan be the smarter way to protect its £69 million investment? Let us know in the comments below.
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