Revealed: Eddie Howe’s stance on Newcastle accepting Nick Woltemade offer
Eddie Howe does not want Newcastle to sell Nick Woltemade anytime soon despite his poor recent form in front of goal.
Woltemade has scored just once in his last 16 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle, but Howe is still keen on retaining his services beyond the summer window.
Reports have emerged over the last week claiming that the 24-year-old wants to return to Germany after his struggles on Tyneside, but there are no plans in place to let that happen as it stands.
Woltemade got off to a fine start at Newcastle following his summer move from Stuttgart, with six strikes in his first 11 games for the club.
Even though his rate of scoring has slowed down since, Howe still has faith that Woltemade will be a key man for the Magpies in the near future, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast.
Eddie Howe does not want Nick Woltemade to leave Newcastle
BILD have claimed that Woltemade is unhappy at Newcastle and would welcome a move back to Stuttgart or Bayern Munich this summer.
He has shown glimpses of his ability at St James’ Park this season, though, and Howe has no plans to sanction his exit anytime soon.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think it would be a big surprise if Newcastle were to cut their losses and Woltemade so early.
“You’ve got to remember he’s a young player at just 24-years-old, and is in his first season in a new country, so he needs a bit of time to adapt.
“He got off to a really good start, scoring goals, then obviously hit a bit of a dip in form, which wasn’t just him, it was most of the Newcastle squad.
“Look, he was a big signing for the future. (They) spent a lot of money on him, Newcastle, as well, and gave him a long-term contract until 2031.
“Eddie Howe and the rest of the coaching staff at Newcastle will want to keep hold of Woltemade, and they’ll be expecting an improvement from him next season once he’s had a full year of adaptation in the Premier League.”
Newcastle target Jean-Philippe Mateta amid Woltemade uncertainty
Woltemade could well push to leave Newcastle this summer, despite Howe’s thoughts, and Mateta is known to be on their radar as a potential striker arrival to either replace him or provide striker competition.
Mateta has been a key man up front for Crystal Palace over the last few years, but he missed out on a move to AC Milan last month after failing a medical.
Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Mateta’s availability ahead of the summer window, with Woltemade’s future potentially set to dictate their move for the Frenchman.