Newcastle United have Joined the Race to Sign 23-year-old Striker – Report | OneFootball

Nick Woltemade Pursued by Premier League Giants but Bundesliga Loyalty Holds Firm

Caught Offside have delivered another insightful transfer update, confirming that both Manchester United and Newcastle United have expressed firm interest in signing VfB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade. However, as reported by Christian Falk in his CF Bayern Insider column, there appears to be one major stumbling block: the player’s preference to remain in Germany.

Rising Star with Impressive Numbers

Woltemade, just 23 years of age, has caught the eye with his performances in the Bundesliga. The tall, technical forward delivered 12 league goals and 21 goal contributions in total across all competitions for both club and country last season. It is no surprise that such output has placed him on the radar of some of Europe’s elite clubs.

According to Falk: “Manchester United and Newcastle had Nick Woltemade on their shortlists. However, the VfB Stuttgart striker is still focused on Bayern Munich. He doesn’t want to leave the Bundesliga at this stage.”

Photo: IMAGO

Bayern Munich Playing Transfer Hardball

Despite early offers being made by Bayern Munich — one of €40 million plus €5 million and another worth €50 million plus €5 million — Stuttgart have so far rejected both bids. The German champions are now opting to wait, confident that Stuttgart may return to the table as the window progresses.

As Falk explains, “Now they’ve decided to play on time, as they don’t want to raise their offer again. They hope Stuttgart will come back to the table, as it’s a lot of money for the club as it stands, and they can’t guarantee that another club will be prepared to pay this fee next year.”

This strategy from Bayern, while risky, is a familiar one. They’re hoping financial realism will trump Stuttgart’s resistance. But until the deal is sealed, the likes of United and Newcastle may still harbour hope, even if distant.

Premier League Appeal Not Enough for Now

Both Premier League clubs are in clear need of attacking reinforcements. Manchester United have struggled to find consistent form up front, while Newcastle’s ambitions to crack the Champions League spots hinge on bolstering their offensive firepower.

Woltemade, with his blend of youth and end product, fits both profiles perfectly. Yet as Falk confirms, the forward is simply not keen on leaving his homeland — not yet.

One to Watch in Future Windows

While a move to England looks unlikely this summer, it would be premature to rule it out altogether. Players’ preferences shift, and the Premier League remains one of the most attractive leagues in the world.

Newcastle and Manchester United would be wise to keep close tabs on Woltemade’s development. If Bayern falter or Stuttgart dig their heels in beyond the current window, opportunities may yet arise. For now though, Bundesliga remains his chosen battleground.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle United fan’s perspective, there’s no shame in missing out on a player who clearly isn’t ready to leave his comfort zone just yet. Nick Woltemade’s numbers speak for themselves — 12 goals and 9 assists at just 23 is the kind of profile we’ve been crying out for. He could’ve been the perfect foil for Isak or even played alongside him in a dynamic two-pronged attack.

The club’s ambitions to push for top-four again, especially with the added pressure of European football, mean we need rotation-ready talent who won’t take half a season to adapt. Woltemade, with Bundesliga pedigree and international recognition, looked an ideal fit on paper.

But if the lad’s heart is set on Bayern, then there’s little point in chasing shadows. That said, it’s encouraging to see the club linked with players of this calibre. A few seasons ago, Newcastle would not have been in conversations with talents also being eyed by Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

What’s more, should the Bayern deal fall through and he sees another year in Stuttgart, perhaps a strong European campaign by the Magpies could tilt his head come 2026. Either way, the scouting department deserve credit — it’s the right profile, the right timing, but unfortunately not the right moment. Not yet.