Newcastle United have been pushing to sign a new striker throughout the summer transfer window even before Alexander Isak went on strike as they wanted to replace the departed Callum Wilson.
However, now with the Sweden International forcing out a move of St. James Park, the Magpies desperately need a striker or else they have to deploy Anthony Gordon in a makeshift role or show trust on young Danish forward William Osula.
Newcastle have been linked with several strikers throughout the window but most of them have rejected a move to the Tyneside outfit.
Newcastle United are all set to change that narrative as they have launched a shock interest in Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade as per Daily Mail’s Craig Hope.
The Germany international, who has been linked with Bayern Munich throughout the summer has suddenly emerged as their primary option to replace Isak.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle United have secured the 23-year-old striker for a deal worth €85m ($99.4m) fixed fee plus €5m in add-ons.
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The Bavarians tried their best to sign the German forward, whom they saw as an ideal Thomas Muller replacement, but Stuttgart remained firm on their €75m ($87.7m) demands and didn’t entertain any approach from the German champions.
What will Woltemade bring to this Newcastle United roster?
Woltemade has all the ingredients needed to succeed at St. James Park after a very successful Isak era.
Despite being 6’6”, the 23-year-old is exceptional with his close control and dribbling as he is capable of playing on the flanks and also behind a primary striker.
He ran riot for Germany U21 team in their run to the final at the U21 European Championships in June where he scored the most goals (6 goals) and also registered three assists.
Woltemade had his breakthrough year for Stuttgart last season as he netted 17 goals and provided three assists across all competitions and played a major role in helping his team winning the DFB Pokal.
As per FBref, he averaged 4.28 shot-creating actions, 2.75 progressive passes, 1.69 progressive carries, 1.69 successful take-ons and 8.51 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes last season.
The Germany international is a much different profile to Newcastle United’s targets like Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.
So, there’s still an opportunity that the Magpies may also bring another forward as they are extremely shorthanded in that particular position.
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