Newcastle number nine hint dropped as David Frattesi transfer truth emerges

The final days of the summer transfer window are always a time of intense speculation, and for Newcastle United, the excitement is building as the club works to finalize several key deals.

At the center of it all is the imminent arrival of German striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, a signing that promises to bring a new dimension to Eddie Howe’s attacking options.

But while fans and pundits are busy debating how he will fit into the team and who he might replace, the manager himself is taking a much broader view of the situation.

When asked if Woltemade should be seen as a direct replacement for Callum Wilson, who left the club earlier in the window, Howe was quick to dismiss the idea.

He explained that he doesn’t believe in labeling new signings as replacements for departed players. Instead, he sees every arrival as an opportunity to add quality and competition to the squad.

In his view, the focus should be on bringing in the best possible players and then letting them fight for their place on the pitch. This philosophy reflects a long-term vision for the club, one that is about building a deep and versatile squad rather than simply filling gaps.

This approach makes particular sense when you consider Woltemade’s unique skill set. The 23-year-old is not easily categorized into a single position.

During his time in the Bundesliga, he has been deployed as a traditional number nine, a second striker, and even in wider roles.

His statistics are impressive no matter where he plays: 57 goals and 21 assists in 102 appearances as a center-forward, and another 14 goals in 35 games playing just behind the main striker.

This versatility will give Howe valuable flexibility in how he sets up the team, allowing him to adapt his tactics based on the opponent and the situation.

Another topic generating discussion is the iconic number nine shirt, which remains vacant following Wilson’s departure.

While Woltemade is expected to take the number 27, the number nine is still available, and there has been talk that Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen would be open to wearing it if his proposed move to Newcastle goes through.

For many fans, the number carries symbolic weight, but the management seems more focused on the players themselves than the numbers on their backs.

Meanwhile, in the background, the club’s search for new additions continues. Reports from Italy suggested that Newcastle had made a late enquiry for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, but sources close to the Serie A club were quick to downplay the story.

They indicated that Inter have no interest in selling the Italian international, who is represented by the same agency as current Newcastle player Sandro Tonali.

With Tonali’s injury not as serious as first feared and Joelinton nearing a return after the international break, midfield is less of a priority than it might have been earlier in the window.

As the deadline draws closer, the focus remains on strengthening the attack. The potential departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool is still a possibility, which could trigger further activity.

But for now, the arrival of Woltemade is the main story—a signing that reflects the club’s ambition and their commitment to building a squad that can compete on all fronts. For Eddie Howe and everyone at Newcastle, the future looks bright, and the best may be yet to come.