Newcastle United are reportedly on the verge of signing Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade in a club-record deal. The Magpies have apparently agreed to pay Stuttgart an initial fee of £60 million, with a further £4 million in potential add-ons. Other sources state the fee to be €85 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Woltemade, a 23-year-old German international, has been attracting interest from top clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich. However, it seems Newcastle have won the race for his signature, with the player expected to undergo a medical on Friday.
Woltemade's potential arrival at St. James' Park has sparked speculation about the future of current Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool. Some reports suggest that Woltemade's signing could pave the way for Isak's departure.
Stuttgart have confirmed that they are in talks with a "European club" regarding Woltemade, stating that a decision is expected by Friday. The German club reportedly turned down multiple offers from Bayern Munich for Woltemade this summer, holding out for a higher valuation. Stuttgart apparently valued Woltemade at over €75 million, comparing his situation to Eintracht Frankfurt's sale of Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool for €95 million.
Newcastle's pursuit of Woltemade highlights their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete with the Premier League's elite. The signing of a highly-rated young striker like Woltemade would be a significant statement of intent from the club.
Woltemade has two caps for Germany and scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart last season. Transfermarkt values Woltemade at €30 million. He is a tall player, standing at 1.98m, and plays as a second striker. Ademola Lookman is considered a similar player to Woltemade.
If the deal goes through, Woltemade will become Newcastle's record signing, surpassing the £63 million they paid for Alexander Isak. The fee would also eclipse the €35 million that Stuttgart received for selling Benjamin Pavard to Bayern Munich in 2019. Woltemade has reportedly already said goodbye to his Stuttgart teammates.
