Bayern Munich must bid 'something extraordinary' to get Nick Woltemade this summer after Stuttgart chief 'categorically rejected' initial bid

According to Sky Sport, Stuttgart turned down Bayern’s opening bid for the Under 21 Euros star Woltemade, reportedly worth €40m (£35m/$47m) plus €5m in bonuses, which would paid in four instalments. The Bavarians made contact via telephone, but Stuttgart CEO Alexander Wehrle says he has “categorically rejected” meeting Bayern officials at this stage.

Stuttgart remain unshaken in their stance, with CEO Wehrle now publicly reinforcing the position already echoed by head coach Sebastian Hoeness and sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth that Woltemade is not for sale under normal circumstances. Despite the striker having expressed a preference for a move to Bayern, Stuttgart hold all the leverage. The 23-year-old scored 17 goals in 33 games during his first season with Stuttgart, after arriving from Werder Bremen on a free transfer. He was also the top scorer at the U21 Euros with six goals. His value has skyrocketed, but is under contract with the Swabians until 2028. Bayern’s initial proposal was swiftly rejected, with Stuttgart’s top brass insist that only a truly “extraordinary” offer will even merit formal discussion.

"We're not giving him away. He'll play football with us next season," Wehrle told Stuttgarter Zeitung.

"Unless Bayern really do something extraordinary, then we're all professional enough to talk about it," the VfB chief added, leaving the door open only for a truly blockbuster bid.

The CEO also revealed that there has been no formal meeting with Bayern yet, despite preliminary contact: "The negotiations have so far been conducted by telephone," he confirmed. "And normally you meet then, but I have categorically rejected it so far."

With Stuttgart unwilling to negotiate at current terms, Bayern may delay their pursuit until 2026, unless they dramatically raise their bid. Meanwhile, Stuttgart will try to refocus Woltemade on a new season with a growing leadership role.