Nick Woltemade told he's better off at Stuttgart as ex-Bayern Munich coach says it's in his and Germany's best interests to avoid Harry Kane competition

Magath has advised striker Woltemade that remaining at Stuttgart is the correct career decision, claiming it is "better for both the player and Stuttgart". Speaking in an interview with Sky, Magath stated that the forward would have found it "more difficult to get playing time at Bayern", where he would have been in direct competition with England captain Harry Kane. The comments follow a summer of transfer speculation linking the German international with a move to the Bundesliga champions.

Magath’s comments come after a protracted and tense summer-long transfer saga between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart. The pursuit began in mid-June when Bayern sporting director Max Eberl made a secret approach to Woltemade and his agent, who signalled their desire for a move. A subsequent video call with head coach Vincent Kompany and a disappointing contract offer from Stuttgart further strengthened the striker's resolve to leave. Bayern then submitted multiple bids, with the final offer reportedly reaching €60 million (£52m/$70m). However, Stuttgart officials, who were annoyed by Bayern's initial secret negotiations, remained firm on their valuation of the player, demanding a fee reported to be as high as €75m (£65m/$87m). After their final bid was rejected, Eberl publicly declared the deal "off the table," ending the pursuit.

On Woltemade and Stuttgart Magath said: "As a football fan, I'm glad it's resolved this way. I believe it's better for both the player and VfB Stuttgart that Woltemade stays." He added, "With him, VfB has another dangerous striker, and that's why I trust VfB to build on the season from two years ago.

"I'm also convinced that the player will continue to develop in Stuttgart, which makes him more valuable to our national team. After all, it would have been more difficult for Woltemade to get playing time at Bayern. So, the situation is the best for German football."

With the transfer window closing shortly, Woltemade's focus will now be on the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign with Stuttgart. The 23-year-old will be aiming to solidify his place as the club's main striker and maintain his form to secure a spot in Germany's squad for the upcoming international fixtures. Stuttgart begin their season with an away trip to Wolfsburg before hosting Werder Bremen.