Newcastle United Agrees Transfer Deal To Sign Stuttgart And Germany Striker Nick Woltemade

‎Newcastle have agreed a £70m deal for Stuttgart striker, Nick Woltemade, with a medical scheduled on Tyneside on Friday morning.

‎The transfer could pave the way for Alexander Isak to finally secure his long-awaited move to Liverpool.

‎Woltemade has two German caps and loomed large on Bayern Munich’s shopping list this summer after scoring 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart last season. The fee includes £5 million of add-ons.

‎His arrival would conclude Eddie Howe’s lengthy hunt for a striker. The club had been rejected by several targets during a transfer window marred by Isak’s decision to go on strike as he pushes for a move to Anfield.

‎This breakthrough will come as a huge relief to Newcastle’s manager.

‎It should also almost certainly preface a fresh bid from Liverpool for Isak. Newcastle have rebuffed one £110m offer from the Premier League champions but, given the Swede’s refusal to return to training or playing, it is thought a sum nearer £130m may be sufficient.

‎Callum Wilson has departed for West Ham, and with Isak’s future uncertain, Howe is still in the market for two strikers. This week, Newcastle had a second bid of £55m for Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen rejected, and it seems unlikely the Norway international will be allowed to leave.

‎Negotiations for Brentford’s DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa are ongoing but have been complicated, with at least two bids turned down so far.

‎Wissa appears determined to move to St James’ Park, potentially shaping Newcastle’s attacking plans.

‎Although an element of doubt surrounds the precise figure Newcastle is paying for Woltemade, it will be a club record fee, eclipsing the £63m invested in recruiting Isak from Real Sociedad three years ago.

‎Howe will be especially pleased with another addition, having sought real height for his already physically imposing side. He has now secured a deceptively skilled 6ft 6in centre-forward, described by Stuttgart fans as a “Two metre Messi-Musiala.”

‎One of Woltemade’s roles at St James’ Park will be to convert crosses from Anthony Elanga, who joined for £55m from Nottingham Forest this summer.

‎Newcastle has quietly strengthened its squad this window, adding central defender Malick Thiaw, midfielder Jacob Ramsey, and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Milan, Aston Villa, and Southampton respectively.

‎This depth of quality may help compensate for Isak’s potential departure.