- Borussia Dortmund interested in Newcastle United striker Woltemade
- Magpies face dilemma over German’s future
- Woltemade must be used better
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in bringing Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade back to the Bundesliga this summer, according to OneFootball. This comes after the news BVB’s current forward Serhou Guirassy could be targeting a move away from the club.
Woltemade has only been at Newcastle since last summer but speculation is already high around his future following a difficult first season in England.
Eddie Howe has played the German out of position for the large majority of the campaign. He could favour a return to his homeland if this pattern continues between now and the end of the season.
Dortmund interested in Newcastle United striker Woltemade
The German side is keeping an eye on Woltemade’s situation but understand that the forward has thus far insisted he is staying on Tyneside ahead of next season.
Dortmund’s interest reportedly comes in tandem with a similar admiration of Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani, who was the initially reported link. Woltemade is a more recent story, with a loan the most likely option should a deal become more plausible ahead of the summer.
At this stage, any sort of permanent transfer is almost impossible even if the situation around Woltemade staying at St James’ Park changes. The fee that the Magpies would command given his recent arrival would be far beyond anything affordable for the German club.
Woltemade’s comments
Woltemade has been vocal in recent weeks about the bad press he is receiving in light of his current role.
The German said, “If someone claims I’m in a slump, I’d argue this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games. I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 metres from the opponent’s goal.
“I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season. Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space. Of course, I score far fewer goals now. But I’m completely relaxed. I don’t mind expanding my repertoire. And I’m convinced that, in the long run, it will make me stronger if I learn to navigate phases like this.”
These comments give some reassurance that Woltemade is committed to the cause.
His midfield exploits are rather unorthodox but his seeming understanding and acceptance of the situation will be a relief to the fans. The Geordies have largely been vocal in their defence of the German throughout the current situation.
There is no doubt Woltemade will be expecting to return to his familiar forward position before long. Not only that, but there is a need to ensure the right system is utilised to get the best out of the former Stuttgart man.
Should the current scenario continue, it wouldn’t be a shock to anyone to see Nick Woltemade assessing his options and a move to a club like Dortmund become a real possibility.
In other news, Newcastle Trail Juventus in Race For Manchester United Midfielder.
