Nick Woltemade to quit Newcastle? Eddie Howe ‘poised for big summer refit’
Nick Woltemade could leave Newcastle as part of Eddie Howe’s plans to bring in a more mobile striker in the summer transfer window.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who wouldn’t be “surprised” if Woltemade left Newcastle.
Woltemade has been linked with a move back to Germany after only joining Newcastle last summer from Stuttgart in a deal worth up to £69million.
Whilst the 24-year-old enjoyed a bright start at St James’ Park, goals have dried up for the striker and Howe has recently converted him into an attacking midfielder.
Newcastle ‘poised for big summer refit’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks Woltemade may not suit Howe’s style of football.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though is not sure whether the rumours are true that Woltemade wants to leave the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s hard to tell whether it’s real or not or whether its agent speak at the moment.
“So I think we’re going to need a few more weeks to really define what’s going to go on with that situation. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually did leave and went back to Germany.
“And I think Newcastle would be poised for quite a big refit this summer. And I think upfront could be one of those situations. I’m not sure how much Eddie Howe wants that sort of player in his system right now.
“I think he prefers to be a bit more mobile. And I think that could be the change that might suit all parties. And so I think we could be seeing him leaving at the end of the season.”
Newcastle in talks with Premier League defender
Newcastle have accelerated plans to sign Wolves defender Hugo Bueno following talks with the player’s agent over a possible move.
Howe will look to bolster his defensive ranks in the summer, with Bueno a target given that the 23-year-old has no desire to play Championship football with Wolves next season.
Bueno could be cover and competition for Lewis Hall, with Howe short of options in the left-back area, and with versatile full-back Tino Livramento linked with a summer exit.