Nick Woltemade 'not demanding anyone understand' £69m Newcastle transfer as striker explains move in Stuttgart farewell message

Woltemade has addressed the Stuttgart fans following his high-profile transfer to Newcastle. After a breakthrough 2024-25 season, where he scored 17 goals in 33 games, he was linked with Bayern Munich throughout the summer, but ended up moving to St. James' Park, where he will be expected to fill the big shoes of Alexander Isak.

The transfer saga involving Bayern, Stuttgart and Woltemade was long and tense. After the 23-year-old's exploits last season, Bayern made him their top attacking target, even reaching a personal agreement with the player. Head coach Vincent Kompany reportedly held a "secret" video call to convince him of Bayern’s project. However, Stuttgart rejected three bids, including one worth €60 million (£52m/$70m), standing firm on their €75m valuation. Despite Bayern’s efforts and public claims the deal was off, Stuttgart’s refusal to negotiate below their asking price effectively stalled the move, leaving Woltemade’s future uncertain. 

The Magpies smelled an opportunity and pounced on it, signing the German for €80m (£69m/$93m) on a contract that will run until 2031.

Woltemade took to Instagram and posted a farewell video, where he opened up on his decision to leave Stuttgart. He said: "It was important to me to say goodbye in person. A lot has been happening in the last few days, so I've taken a few days to find the right words.

"I can only thank you for the last year. Thank you for the moments we created and experienced together. I'm not demanding that anyone understand my move. I want to achieve the highest possible level as a footballer. I'm now playing in the Champions League and in the best league in the world, and I'm looking forward to this move.

"I will remain a Stuttgart fan and will continue to watch every game when I can. But I'm also an athlete, and that's my job. I've decided to take the next step I wanted to take, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm grateful to Stuttgart for allowing me to develop so much. Many thanks to VfB, many thanks to all the staff, all the coaches, and the entire team. Thank you for the great time."

The towering forward will be in line to make his debut for Eddie Howe's side on September 13, when Wolves visit St. James' Park.