German Sporting Director Feels Newcastle United Have Received A Steal Deal In €80m: Has He Improved The Squad? | OneFootball

Germany sporting director Rudi Völler reckons Newcastle United grabbed a total steal. The club signed Nick Woltemade over the summer break. Kicker put out the story, and Sky Deutschland later passed on his comments.

This legendary figure sees that €80m deal as top-tier business for the Tyneside team. Eddie Howe finalised the acquisition of the striker from VfB Stuttgart on August 30.

Germany’s sporting director comments on Nick Woltemade

He settled on a main fee of €75m with another €5m in extra bonuses. On top of that, this significant outlay followed a brilliant run in Germany. The forward banged in 18 goals and set up three more during 36 games for the German side before his move.

Because of those games, the 23-year-old got his first senior cap for Germany in June. This big moment happened right before he played in the UEFA U21 Championship. Even though England beat Germany in the final, Woltemade ran the show during the tournament.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park on December 20, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

He racked up five goals and three assists in just five matches. Since Woltemade showed up at St. James’ Park, the forward has kept up this scoring run. He has scored nine goals and grabbed two assists in 23 games.

Völler spent plenty of time watching the lad at the U21 training base. So, he said he wasn’t shocked at all to see him settle into English football so fast. Plus, he mentioned that people have stopped talking about the price tag. He thinks the German centre-forward’s talent is just on another level.

“I was already a regular presence at the U21 training ground, and everyone knew he had talent. Now nobody’s even talking about the €80m transfer fee he paid to Newcastle. In the end, it was practically a bargain (laughs). His quality is truly exceptional,” he said.

Has he replaced Alexander Isak at Newcastle United?

In the 2025/26 season, Woltemade has definitely changed how the Newcastle attack looks. He gives the team a much more physical presence up front. He might not have the raw pace of Alexander Isak, but his hold-up play and height have changed the game.

The German international has successfully updated the way Eddie Howe sets up his team. Since he has actually scored more than the Swede this year, Woltemade has clearly earned his spot as the club’s new main man.