It’s been a summer of missed targets and chaos at Newcastle United. The Magpies missed out on key targets such as Bryan Mbuemo, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and Marc Guehi this summer.
However, that hasn’t been the main focus this summer. Star player, Alexander Isak, has refused to play for the Toon as he aims to force a move to Premier League champions, Liverpool, before the end of the window. As a result, Newcastle have been active in the market for a new attacker, and they seem to have found one.
Newcastle Agree Deal To Sign Germany U21 Star
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United have agreed a £69 million deal for Germany U21 star, Nick Woltemade.
The Magpies put in an official bid earlier today, which has been accepted by Stuttgart.
Woltemade will travel to England for his medical in the next 24 hours, with the transfer seen as imminent. The German has agreed a long term deal at St James’ Park.
After missing out on so many attacking targets this summer, it was imperative Newcastle signed one before next week’s transfer deadline. There was a striker shaped hole in Eddie Howe’s starting 11, after the departure of Callum Wilson to West Ham United and the Isak situation. The Toon seem to have missed out on original target, Jorgen Strand Larsen. As previously reported, the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker had given the green light to Newcastle for a potential move. However, Wolves have set their stance clear, with the Norwegian striker going nowhere this summer.
How Did Woltemade Fare Last Season?
Last season, the six foot five inch striker scored 17 goals and assisted a further three as Stuttgart finished ninth in the Bundesliga. Five of the goals came in the DFB Pokal, where the German side managed to beat Arminia Bielefeld four-two in the final. This meant Stuttgart qualified for this season’s Europa League. Woltemade managed to net in the final.
It was the U21 Euros where Woltemade really shone. The 23 year old was eligible to play as he was 21 during the qualifying stages. Woltemade was top scorer at the tournament, scoring six goals on the way to the final, where Germany eventually lost to holders, England. The forward was also joint-top assister, with three. His form at the Euro’s showed exactly why he already had two senior caps for Germany.
Bayern Munich were alerted by his performances and showed interest in the tall striker, however, it’s Newcastle who have won the race.
Is This A Good Move?
For Woltemade, this is a good move. The German will be able to test himself in both the Premier League and Champions League as he looks to build on last season’s success. With no current starting striker at the club, game time should be no issue for Woltemade. The six foot five striker is a similar frame and play style to Isak, so there should be no issue fitting in to Eddie Howe’s side.
For Newcastle, this is also a good move. They have replaced Isak with a very similar profile, as previously mentioned. If Isak’s time at St James’ Park is anything to go by, then Howe should be licking his lips at this signing.