Sunderland supporting journalist with stunned reaction to Nick Woltemade signing for Newcastle

The world of football is full of passionate rivalries, and few are as intense as the one between Newcastle United and Sunderland.

So, when a journalist who proudly supports the Black Cats has something positive to say about a Magpies signing, it’s worth paying attention.

That’s exactly what happened when news broke that Newcastle had agreed a deal to sign German striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

The journalist in question, Dougie Critchley, is well-known to fans on both sides of the divide. He’s a Sunderland supporter who covers football, and he hasn’t always held back when expressing his views on Newcastle.

Given that history, many might have expected him to downplay or criticize this latest transfer development. But sometimes, a signing is so impressive that it transcends even the deepest rivalries and that appears to be the case with Woltemade.

Instead of focusing on the fee or finding reasons to doubt the move, Critchley took to social media to share his genuine excitement about what Newcastle are getting.

He described Woltemade as a “seriously exciting signing” and acknowledged that while the fee—reportedly around €85 million is significant, it reflects the need to act decisively late in the transfer window.

More importantly, he focused on the player’s qualities, and his analysis was glowing.

He highlighted Woltemade’s outstanding season in the Bundesliga, where he established himself as one of Germany’s most promising talents.

He also pointed out that the striker was the top scorer at the recent Under-21 European Championships, proving he can perform on the big stage.

But what really stood out in Critchley’s comments was his description of Woltemade’s unique style. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, he has the physical presence of a classic target man, but his technical ability and footwork are anything but traditional.

Critchley even compared him to a young Zlatan Ibrahimović, noting that his blend of size and skill “doesn’t look normal”—it’s that special.

This kind of praise, especially coming from a Sunderland supporter, carries weight. It suggests that Newcastle aren’t just spending money for the sake of it; they’re investing in a player with truly exceptional potential.

The fact that Bayern Munich were also interested in Woltemade only reinforces the idea that this is a coup for the Magpies. Beating one of Europe’s biggest clubs to a signature is a clear sign of the project’s growing appeal.

For Newcastle fans, this signing represents more than just a new player—it’s a symbol of the club’s ambition and a reason to feel optimistic about the future.

Woltemade’s arrival addresses a major need in the squad, especially with the ongoing uncertainty around Alexander Isak’s future.

But beyond the practical benefits, it’s a statement signing, one that shows the club can attract top-tier talent capable of making a difference in the Premier League and beyond.

In the end, the most telling part of this story might be that even a Sunderland supporter can see the value in what Newcastle are building.

When rival fans acknowledge your signings, you know you’re doing something right. For everyone connected with Newcastle United, the future looks exciting, and Nick Woltemade could be at the heart of it.