Newcastle United announce club-record transfer - another could follow
Nick Woltemade is officially a Newcastle United player, joining in a club-record transfer from Stuttgart.
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club-record £69million.
Woltemade arrived on Tyneside on Thursday night, just hours after news of the transfer broke. The 6ft 6in striker underwent his medical on Friday and put pen to paper on a long-term contract.
The 23-year-old only joined Stuttgart on a free transfer from Werder Bremen last summer but his 17 goals in 33 appearances, as well as being top scorer at this summer’s under-21s European Championship, attracted interest from several top European clubs.
He had been expected to join Bayern Munich but Newcastle have swooped in after the Bundesliga champions failed to reach an agreement.
Woltemade will wear the number 27 shirt, but won’t be available for this evening’s trip to Leeds United after United were unable to register him with the Premier League in time.
Nick Woltemade reacts to joining Newcastle United
“I’m really happy to be at this amazing club. From the first contact, I felt like the club really wanted me and had big plans for me,” said Woltemade.
“It’s a big step in my life to leave Germany but everybody has welcomed me so well and it already feels like family. I have a really good feeling from speaking to the head coach that this is the right place for me to find my best level.
“I know the stadium from watching games on television - it looks amazing and I know the atmosphere is crazy. I’m really excited to play and start scoring goals here.”
Eddie Howe ‘delighted’ with Nick Woltemade signing
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe added: “We’re delighted to get Nick’s signing over the line so quickly. He fits the profile for exactly what we have been looking to add to our attacking options.
“He’s strong in a lot of areas - he has great technical ability and has proven himself to be a real threat in one of Europe’s top leagues - but he’s also still at an age where he has plenty of room to develop and grow here.
“Nick is a great character too and we’re really pleased to welcome him to the group.”
Newcastle United still searching for summer signing number six
Woltemade becomes the Magpies’ fifth first-team addition of the summer, but it is hoped he won’t be the last.
Howe’s side are hopeful of signing another striker in a deal that would likely see Alexander Isak get his move to Liverpool. Newcastle haven’t wanted to sell Isak but the Swede is refusing to play in an attempt force through a move.
“Yeah, we're still looking because I think there's still an opportunity maybe to improve the squad further,” Howe confirmed at Friday’s press conference. “But I don't know quite what that will look like but I think just small steps really.
“Let's try and get the deal that we're working on done and then see where we are.”