Nick Woltemade to play 'central role' against Bayern Munich as Stuttgart boss addresses transfer tension ahead of showdown with Bundesliga champions

Stuttgart head coach Hoeness has made it clear that he had always intended on retaining Woltemade amid serious interest from Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old, according to Hoeness, will be "central" to his plans next season, starting with the DFL-Supercup final against the Bavarians this weekend.

Woltemade grabbed the eyeballs after a breakthrough season at the MHP Arena, scoring 17 goals in 33 games across all competitions. He was also breathtaking in the European Under 21 Championship earlier this summer, scoring six goals in five games. Bayern have been publicly vocal about their desire to acquire Woltemade's services, but have seen two bids already being turned down by Stuttgart. Bayern's last offer was an improved bid of reportedly €50 million (£43m/$58m) plus €5m in bonuses, but Stuttgart remain firm on not entertaining offers less than €65m (£56m/$75m). The Bundesliga champions' inability to strike an agreement led sporting director Max Eberl to admit defeat, stating that the deal for Woltemade was now "off the table."

Woltemade has pushed for Stuttgart to let him go, having already agreed terms with Bayern. Despite the stalemate, Hoeness has told Sky Sportthat he has no doubts about the player's role heading into this week's game and the coming season. 

"A lot has been said about Nick, so I don't want to add much more," he said. "I've made it clear that I'm firmly planning on keeping him and that he'll play a very central role for us. After the last two years, in which we had to let go of key players several times, the goal was to keep the team together and even strengthen it. Nick is one of those who plays a central role. Everything else has been said."

He also addressed the ultimatum handed by Stuttgart CEO Alexander Wehrle to Bayern. Hoeness said: "The fact is that Alex has now spoken out. It's always important for us to have clarity. Apart from that, I have the feeling that Nick and everyone else handled it well."

Die Roten will look to kick off their 2025–26 campaign on a high when they face Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup final on Saturday. The match will also mark the competitive debut of new signing Luis Diaz, with sporting director Eberl confident that the Colombian winger will be part of one of the "most dangerous attacks" in Europe this season.