Sources: This is ‘the only way’ Newcastle will accept Nick Woltemade offer
Newcastle will only entertain offers for Nick Woltemade this summer if he demands a move away from the club.
The Magpies have no plans to sell Woltemade despite his lacklustre recent form, but recent reports have claimed that he is unhappy on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe has hit back at such claims by insisting that his strike is “really, really happy” at the club, but if he does push to leave this summer, then they may be forced to cut their losses.
Woltemade got off to a fine start at Newcastle, with six strikes in his first 11 games following his summer move from Stuttgart, but his rate of scoring has slowed down in the last few months.
The Germany international has scored just once in his last 16 appearances across all competitions, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, his exit could be sealed if he wishes to move back to his home country in the summer.
Newcastle would only sell Nick Woltemade if he pushed for an exit
The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of his ability at St James’ Park this season, and Howe has no plans to sanction his exit anytime soon.
It remains unclear whether Woltemade is truly content to remain at the club past this summer, though, and he could well leave ahead of next term if he pushes to return to Germany
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.
“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.
“So look, I think it would be a bit rash if they were to cut their losses on the player so early on into his career at St James’ Park, unless the player himself is seeking to move away from Newcastle.”
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 competition in attack.
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.
The 28-year-old is currently sidelined with a knee injury, but has scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for the Eagles this season despite a slight drop off in form.
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.