Newcastle United have reached an agreement to sign Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade in a deal worth £70 million, with the forward expected to undergo a medical on Tyneside. The 23-year-old German international scored 17 goals in 33 appearances last season and was also a target for Bayern Munich earlier in the summer. The transfer fee, which includes £5 million in add-ons, will become a new club record for Newcastle, surpassing the £63 million paid for Alexander Isak in 2022.
Woltemade’s arrival could signal the end of Isak’s time at St James’ Park. The Swedish striker has been pushing for a move to Liverpool, refusing to return to training as he seeks to force through a transfer. Newcastle have already rejected an offer of £110 million from the Premier League champions, but reports suggest a bid closer to £130 million might be enough to complete the deal.
Eddie Howe has been in search of attacking reinforcements throughout the window following Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham and the uncertainty surrounding Isak. Newcastle’s pursuit of other strikers has so far proven difficult, with a £55 million offer for Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen turned down, while negotiations with Brentford for Yoane Wissa remain ongoing.
The addition of Woltemade gives Howe the tall, powerful striker he has been seeking. Standing at 6ft 6in, the forward brings an aerial presence but also possesses surprising technical ability. Stuttgart fans dubbed him the “Two Metre Messi-Musiala” for his unique blend of height and skill, qualities that will suit Newcastle’s direct and physically dominant style.
Woltemade will be tasked with converting deliveries from Anthony Elanga, who joined from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer for £55 million. Newcastle have also strengthened in other areas, bringing in Malick Thiaw from Milan, Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, and Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton. These additions have quietly added depth and balance to the squad, which will be crucial if Isak departs.
The signing of Woltemade not only addresses Newcastle’s immediate need for a striker but also demonstrates the club’s ambition to remain competitive despite player unrest. With the transfer window still open, all eyes will now turn to whether Liverpool can finalise a blockbuster deal for Isak, a move that would reshape the attacking lineups of both clubs.
