"No secret: Woltemade opens up on collapsed Bayern move" | OneFootball

Nick Woltemade was the talk of the recent summer transfer window. The national player moved from VfB Stuttgart to the Premier League with Newcastle United for 75 million euros – a record deal that sparked much discussion. In an interview with the German Press Agency, the 23-year-old spoke openly about his reasons, the tough stance of VfB, and his failed transfer to FC Bayern.

Woltemade made it clear that he sees the move to England as a logical career step, even though he initially considered a move to Munich. “It’s no secret that I could very well imagine a transfer to FC Bayern – for the same sporting reasons that also spoke for Newcastle. I could and wanted to take the next step as a player; the Premier League is the strongest league. Newcastle showed me a clear plan and a very convincing perspective. In the end, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to take on this challenge.”

Woltemade corrects transfer fee

Photo: IMAGO

The weeks-long stalemate between VfB, Bayern, and Newcastle also took a toll on Woltemade, according to his own statements. “I put my phone aside as much as possible and tried not to read too much about myself. It wasn’t easy, as I was very present in the media over the last eight weeks. Now I’m really eager to fully focus on football again.”

Although he found VfB Stuttgart's hard stance difficult, he also praised his surroundings: “It wasn’t always easy. That’s why it was all the more important that everything remained normal in the locker room. My teammates and the staff supported and prepared me.”

Curiously, contrary to recent media reports, the transfer fee for the DFB star is lower: “Even though it ended up being 75 million instead of 90, it’s still crazy. We players don’t choose our price. So it doesn’t change much for me personally. The public, of course, looks at us differently when such a price tag is attached to us players.”

New start in the Premier League

He also still has the 2026 World Cup in his sights. “Of course, I’m aware of the increased expectations. But I have the confidence to say that I can surprise again.”

With regard to national coach Julian Nagelsmann, Woltemade explained that he trusts the coach’s open ear, but the responsibility lies with him: “I am responsible for continuing to be invited. I will give everything for that.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.