Nick Woltemade’s perfect answer to astonishing Bayern Munich roast after £69M fee mocked
In the high-stakes world of football transfers, a record-breaking price tag can be both a blessing and a burden.
For Newcastle United’s new signing, Nick Woltemade, his £69 million move from Stuttgart has certainly turned heads, but not all the attention has been positive.
The substantial fee attracted sharp criticism from some of German football’s most outspoken figures, turning the spotlight firmly onto the young striker before he’d even kicked a ball in the Premier League.
Yet, rather than be weighed down by the expectations, Woltemade has responded with a maturity and perspective that suggests he is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
The most vocal critics emerged from the halls of Bayern Munich. Honorary president Uli Hoesse declared that Newcastle had “overpaid” for the player, while club legend Mario Basler went even further, offering a grim prediction for the striker’s future.
“He’ll have big problems in Newcastle,” Basler stated bluntly, questioning the career logic of the move and suggesting Woltemade should have either stayed at Stuttgart or waited for an offer from Bayern instead.
For a young player arriving in a new country, these comments from such established figures could easily have been destabilizing.
Woltemade’s response, however, has been perfect. Instead of engaging in a war of words or showing any sign of self-doubt, he has addressed the noise with a calm and focused demeanor.
He acknowledges the pressure that comes with his transfer fee but refuses to own it, stating simply, “I didn’t make my price, so I can’t do anything about it.”
This clever framing separates his own performance from the financial transaction between clubs, allowing him to focus on what he can control: his effort on the pitch.
His retort to Bayern also carried a subtle but powerful message. While the German giants hesitated, Newcastle showed unwavering determination to secure his signature.
Woltemade highlighted this commitment, noting, “Newcastle said: ‘OK we will do it and we want to go all the way with you’.” This statement serves as a quiet dig at Bayern’s indecision while simultaneously expressing his gratitude and excitement for a club that showed such decisive faith in his ability.
He has chosen to see the fee not as a pressure, but as a symbol of the club’s belief in him.
This positive mindset is clearly bolstered by his instant connection with manager Eddie Howe. From their first conversation over a video link, Woltemade felt a sense of ease and familiarity.
He even joked about his height when they finally met in person, breaking the ice immediately. He describes a relationship built on more than just tactics; it’s one where they can talk and laugh like friends, a environment he finds crucial for performing at his best.
This bond with his new manager will be vital as he adapts to the physicality and pace of English football.
As he prepares for his potential debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the narrative is already shifting.
The conversation is moving away from the opinions of pundits and onto the potential of the player himself. Nick Woltemade understands that the best answer to his critics will not be given in interviews, but through his performances on the grass of St. James’ Park.
He arrives with a point to prove, not just to Bayern Munich, but to everyone watching. With a clear head, a supportive manager, and the unwavering backing of a club that fought to get him, he has every opportunity to ensure it is his success, not his price tag, that everyone is talking about by the end of the season.