Newcastle agree club-record £64M deal to give Liverpool fresh Alexander Isak hope

The summer transfer window is racing toward its conclusion, and for Newcastle United, the search for a new striker appears to be finally reaching a dramatic climax.

After facing frustration in their pursuits of other targets, the Magpies have shifted their focus and are now on the verge of securing a club-record deal for Stuttgart’s highly-rated German forward, Nick Woltemade.

This move signals the club’s ambition to solve their attacking crisis with a major statement signing.

According to reports, Newcastle have agreed on a deal with Stuttgart that will see Woltemade move to St. James’ Park for a total package worth €70 million, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons.

When converted, this fee exceeds £64 million, making it the largest transfer in the club’s history—surpassing the £63 million paid for Alexander Isak two summers ago.

This level of investment underscores how serious the club is about reinforcing their frontline, especially with the current uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future and the suspension of Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle’s interest in Woltemade is not entirely new. The club had been monitoring the 23-year-old earlier in the window but initially prioritized moves for Yoane Wissa of Brentford and Jørgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

When those deals stalled after repeated rejected bids, the recruitment team circled back to the German international, who had just enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga.

Woltemade scored 12 goals in 28 league appearances for Stuttgart and further enhanced his reputation with a series of impressive performances for Germany’s Under-21 side during the European Championships over the summer, where he contributed six goals and three assists.

What makes this signing particularly intriguing is that Bayern Munich had also shown strong interest in Woltemade earlier this year.

The Bavarian giants had even reached an agreement on personal terms with the player, but they eventually walked away from negotiations after Stuttgart quoted them a staggering £86 million.

This context makes Newcastle’s successful pursuit all the more significant, as they have managed to secure a player coveted by one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and for a more manageable fee.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Woltemade is more than just a traditional target man. Those who have watched him play regularly, including German football legend Rudi Völler, have praised not only his goal-scoring instinct but also his intelligent link-up play and ability to hold up the ball under pressure.

Teammates and opponents alike have described him as an “exceptional player” who is “simply fun to watch,” highlighting the blend of physicality and technical skill he brings to the pitch.

For Newcastle, his arrival could not be more timely. With Alexander Isak still absent from the squad amid continued speculation over a move to Liverpool, and with Anthony Gordon set to miss the next three Premier League matches through suspension, manager Eddie Howe is in desperate need of a reliable number nine.

Woltemade would offer an immediate solution, providing a focal point in attack and a new dimension to the team’s play.

If completed, this transfer would represent a huge step forward for Newcastle. It shows the club’s willingness to break their transfer record for the right player and proves that they can compete for signatures with some of the biggest names in European football.

For the fans, it would be a welcome sign of ambition and a reason for genuine excitement as the new season continues to unfold.