Bayern Munich boss issues one-word response as Newcastle United hijack Nick Woltemade deal
Newcastle United have hijacked Bayern Munich’s move for Nick Woltemade.
Vincent Kompany has claimed “money” is the reason why Bayern Munich have missed out on two key targets to Premier League clubs.
The German giants had been expected to sign Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade this summer but their failure to reach an agreement has seen Newcastle United hijack a deal.
Woltemade, 23, is currently on Tyneside undergoing his medical ahead of becoming the Magpies’ club-record signing at £69million.
Bayern also missed out on Florian Wirtz earlier this summer after he joined Liverpool for a British record £116m, while other Bundesliga players such as Jeremie Frimpong and Benjamin Sesko have joined Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively.
Bayern Munich boss comments on Nick Woltemade to Newcastle United
When asked what has triggered the flurry of departures from Germany’s top-flight, former Burnley manager Kompany, without hesitation, answered: “Money?”
He continued: "The truth is, I remember going with Burnley to the Premier League. All of a sudden you have TV money coming in and it's £100m for promoted teams. So you go from a budget of £20-25m to £120m or £130m which in the Bundesliga you would compete with the top six, top eight.
"When Sunderland are buying players, they are buying from Leverkusen and they are competing with AC Milan. That's the financial reality. It is the nature of what they have been able to develop over many years, especially with the TV money."
Nick Woltemade finalising move to Newcastle United
Woltemade arrived on Tyneside on Thursday night, just hours after the news of the transfer agreement broke. Today, the striker has undergone his medical, visited the training ground and St James’ Park, and agreed terms over a long-term contract.
While the Magpies could announce the signing of Woltemade later this evening, he won’t be involved in tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Leeds United after the club were unable to register him with the Premier League in time.
Asked about Woltemade at his pre-match press conference, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “Not too much [to say] but positive signs. I think things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment. Until things are done, I can't confirm anything, but fingers crossed.
“I don't think that is going to be possible [to play vs Leeds] due to lots of reasons I don't understand. But I think the most important thing is that we try and bring a centre-forward in. That's what we've been working towards really hard all summer, so hopefully we're getting close.”
Woltemade fills the striker gap left by Callum Wilson in the squad, but he could soon be Alexander Isak’s replacement as the Swede tries to force a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Howe added: “This has been a demanding window in lots of different ways. The work going in has been detailed. It has to be. We have to try and bring the right players to the football club. And there's been a big effort from everyone behind the scenes to try and achieve that.
“So as I said earlier, we look like we're getting closer, but nothing is signed yet. But it's certainly moving in the right direction.”