Nick Woltemade can make Newcastle United debut vs Leeds United - on one condition
Newcastle United are closing on the signing of Nick Woltemade ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash away to Leeds United.
Newcastle United are set to make 6ft 6in German striker Nick Woltemade their record signing.
The 23-year-old arrived on Tyneside last night - as captured by NewcastleWorld - just hours after news broke of the Magpies’ agreement with Bundesliga side Stuttgart.
Newcastle have agreed a record deal worth £69million - surpassing the £63m paid for Alexander Isak in August 2022, with Woltemade due to undergo his medical today ahead of penning a long-term contract.
Woltemade only joined Stuttgart on a free transfer last summer but his 17 goals in 33 appearances, as well as being top scorer at this summer’s under-21s European Championship, has attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Earlier in the summer, Woltemade was expected to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich but after failing to raise the relevant funds have missed out to Newcastle.
Stuttgart club statement confirms Nick Woltemade to Newcastle United talks
Stuttgart released a statement whilst Woltemade boarded his flight to Newcastle on Thursday evening, confirming an offer had been received for an “immediate transfer” to an unnamed club.
“VfB has received an offer from a European club for an immediate transfer,” a Stuttgart statement read.
“Shortly before the summer transfer window closed, VfB Stuttgart received an offer from a European club for an immediate transfer of Nick Woltemade. The terms of this offer have prompted club officials to release Nick Woltemade from training and matchday duties in order to hold talks with the interested party about a potential transfer.
“A decision on this is expected before the end of tomorrow, Friday.”
Nick Woltemade can make Newcastle United vs Leeds United - on one condition
With Isak refusing to play in an attempt to force through a move to Premier League champions Liverpool and emergency striker Anthony Gordon suspended for the next three matches following his red card against the Reds last Monday, the Magpies are keen to have Woltemade available for Saturday’s visit to Leeds United.
However, they face a huge race against time for that to happen, with Premier League rules stating that a player must be registered by 12pm Friday (today) in order to feature across the weekend matches.
Rule U.23. in the Premier League Handbook states: “Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match)."
In the likelihood that Woltemade isn’t registered in time, Will Osula would be in line for his first Premier League start since joining from Sheffield United last summer, or Howe could continue with another makeshift striker with Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy all available.