Stuttgart release Nick Woltemade statement as Newcastle close in on £60.5M transfer

The final days of the summer transfer window often feel like a dramatic series of interconnected events, and for Newcastle United, the storyline has taken its most compelling turn yet.

After weeks of speculation, near-misses, and growing frustration, the club appears to be on the verge of finally securing the striker they have been desperately seeking.

In a significant development, German club VfB Stuttgart has officially confirmed that they have granted permission for their forward, Nick Woltemade, to travel to England and discuss a potential move to St. James’ Park.

This news represents a major step forward in a transfer saga that has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.

Stuttgart released a formal statement explaining that they had received a substantial offer from a European club understood to be Newcastle and that the terms were significant enough for them to allow Woltemade to miss training and their upcoming match against Borussia Mönchengladbach while he explores this opportunity.

The club added that a final decision is expected by the end of Friday, setting a clear timeline for what could be a club-record deal for the Magpies.

The financial details of the proposed transfer are substantial. Reports indicate that the agreed fee is around £60.5 million upfront, with the total value of the deal potentially rising to £65 million through achievable add-ons related to performance and milestones.

This level of investment highlights both the player’s potential and Newcastle’s urgent need to reinforce their attacking options.

Woltemade, a 23-year-old German international, enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga last year, scoring 12 goals and demonstrating the kind of physical presence and technical ability that would suit the demands of the Premier League.

His potential arrival could not come at a more critical time for manager Eddie Howe. The team has struggled for goals in its opening matches, and the suspension of Anthony Gordon who had been filling in as a makeshift striker has left the squad dangerously short of options up front.

Adding a player of Woltemade’s caliber would provide an immediate solution and allow the team to play with a more defined focal point in attack.

Perhaps just as importantly, this move could finally bring clarity to the ongoing situation surrounding Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has made it clear that he wants to leave the club, with Liverpool being his preferred destination.

Newcastle has already rejected one bid from the Reds, believed to be in the region of £110 million, but it is widely expected that they will return with an improved offer.

If Woltemade is signed, it would give Newcastle the security and flexibility to seriously consider those offers, bringing an end to a saga that has overshadowed the start of their season.

This potential transfer also represents something of a coup for Newcastle in a competitive market. Woltemade had been linked with Bayern Munich earlier in the window, and the fact that he now seems destined for Tyneside is a sign of the club’s growing pulling power.

While the financial package is undoubtedly a factor, the project under Eddie Howe and the opportunity to lead the line for an ambitious Premier League side clearly holds strong appeal.

As Friday’s deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of these talks. If completed, this signing would be a statement of intent a signal that Newcastle are ready to move forward with or without Isak, and that they are building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

For the fans, it would be a welcome moment of excitement and optimism after a summer of uncertainty. The pieces are falling into place; now it’s time to see if the deal gets over the line.