Newcastle United’s transformation since the PIF takeover has been nothing short of remarkable. Once trapped under years of mediocrity, the club now stands among Europe’s most exciting sides, full of ambition and belief.
Much of this revival has been down to Eddie Howe’s ability to identify and develop top-quality players who fit his system perfectly. While fans often debate who the best signing of the PIF era truly is, it might surprise some to learn that the standout addition isn’t Anthony Gordon or Bruno Guimaraes it’s the towering German forward, Nick Woltemade.
Before we dive deeper into Woltemade’s impact, it’s worth noting just how far Newcastle have come. The Magpies have shifted from the days of bargain buys and short-term fixes to securing players who shape the club’s identity.
The numbers below show Howe’s most-used players during his reign proof of how consistency and trust in certain individuals have driven Newcastle’s rise.
| Rank | Player | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Guimaraes | 164 |
| 2 | Fabian Schar | 160 |
| 3 | Dan Burn | 159 |
| 4 | Jacob Murphy | 145 |
| 5 | Joelinton | 139 |
These players represent the core of Howe’s project dependable, disciplined, and determined. Yet, Newcastle’s evolution into a Champions League-caliber side required something more: players with the flair, confidence, and intelligence to dominate Europe’s elite. That’s where the new generation of signings, like Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes, stepped in.
Gordon, who initially faced skepticism after his move from Everton, has become one of the most improved players in England. His relentless energy, directness, and end product have turned him into a fan favorite and Liverpool’s £100 million interest in 2024 only underlined his value.
Bruno Guimaraes, meanwhile, has been the beating heart of the team. His composure, creativity, and connection with the fanbase have made him a modern Newcastle icon. The Brazilian’s leadership in midfield continues to set the tone for Howe’s pressing and possession-based style.
But as outstanding as both Gordon and Bruno have been, Nick Woltemade is beginning to look like the best piece of business of the PIF era. Signed for £69 million from Stuttgart, the 22-year-old German forward has adapted to Premier League football with frightening ease.
Despite his young age, Woltemade combines physical strength with a calmness on the ball that makes him look like a seasoned pro. His link-up play has already been described as “mesmerising” by journalist Andy Sixsmith, and it’s easy to see why.
Even when he doesn’t score, Woltemade makes Newcastle tick. He drops deep to connect play, creates chances for others, and reads the game with an intelligence rare for a player of his age.
With five goals in his first eight matches, his impact has been immediate and crucially, he’s only missed three big chances so far, underlining his clinical edge.
The stats further highlight just how exceptional Woltemade is. According to FBref, he ranks among the top 5% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes, and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
| Stat Category | Woltemade’s Ranking (Europe’s Top 5 Leagues) |
|---|---|
| Shot-Creating Actions | Top 5% |
| Progressive Passes | Top 15% |
| Successful Take-Ons (per 90) | Top 7% |
These numbers reveal a player who isn’t just a finisher but a complete modern forward one capable of orchestrating play, leading the line, and inspiring those around him.
His intelligence and movement mirror that of a seasoned striker, while his ability to draw defenders out of position creates space for teammates like Gordon and Harvey Barnes to exploit.
Replacing Alexander Isak who departed for a record-breaking £125 million fee was never going to be easy. The Swede had scored 27 goals in the Premier League last season and was arguably one of Europe’s best strikers.
Yet Newcastle have managed to evolve without him, largely thanks to Woltemade’s seamless integration and Yoane Wissa’s upcoming return from injury. Together, the pair form a potential £124 million strike force that could terrorize defences for years to come.
The PIF era has already delivered star power, Champions League football, and a Carabao Cup trophy. But what makes Woltemade stand out is how effortlessly he embodies the club’s next phase a young, technically gifted, and fearless player who fits perfectly into Howe’s high-pressing, attacking brand of football.
It might still be early days, but the signs are clear. Woltemade is not just a short-term success; he’s a long-term statement. While Gordon and Guimaraes remain vital to Newcastle’s success, the German forward’s arrival has taken the Magpies’ ambitions to another level. He is fast proving to be the jewel of the PIF era a signing that combines vision, value, and undeniable talent.
