Done Deal – German hitman joins Newcastle United

Newcastle United completed the signing of lanky striker Nick Woltemade from VFB Stuttgart. The Magpies have completed a club record signing of the German forward in a deal valued at £69 million.

Woltemade made the switch from his home country, Germany, penning a six-year deal with Newcastle United. The previous highest transfer fee paid by the Magpies was £63 million, which the club had forked out for Alexander Isak, who is inches away from sealing his move to Liverpool.

Woltemade’s prominent rise in the past 12 months has earned him the plaudits and a move to the fiercely contested Premier League. The forward only joined VFB Stuttgart last summer, but netted 17 goals in 33 appearances. The 23-year-old striker also scored the opening goal in the German Cup Final, allowing him to get his hands on his first piece of silverware.

The footballer carried his form into the U-21 European Championship, emerging as the top goal scorer of the tournament. Coming in at a staggering height of 6ft 6in, coupled with his pristine goal-scoring form, Waltemade was bound to attract attention from Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United made their official announcement of the signing on Saturday. However, the player was unable to complete the formalities in time to play in the goalless draw against Leeds United at Elland Road. The Magpies announced that Nick Waltemade would be taking the Number 27 shirt at St James’ Park.

What did Nick Waltemade say about his PL move?

The German International felt welcomed into the plans of Eddie Howe, highlighting that Newcastle United were extremely transparent with their communication. The player even laid emphasis on the importance of arriving at a project like that of Newcastle United, which will propel his career on the correct path.

Woltemade had the following to say when speaking to the official Newcastle United site –

“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.

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.”

What did head coach Eddie Howe say?

The manager had been visibly perplexed with the Alexander Isak transfer situation. The addition of a striker to his scheme of things will majorly boost his team’s chances of delivering the correct results this season. Howe was delighted about the swiftness of the deal and warmly welcomed the German forward to his team.

The Newcastle United head coach has been quoted as saying –

“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 continue to pursue a deal for Wolves’ Norwegian striker, Jorgen Strand Larsen as they look to further bolster their attack ahead selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool in the transfer saga of the summer.

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