Newcastle United have agreed a £70m deal to sign Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, with the 23-year-old set to undergo a medical on Friday. The fee includes £5m in add-ons and represents a club record, surpassing the £63m paid for Alexander Isak three years ago.
Woltemade, who has two caps for Germany, scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart last season and had been on Bayern Munich's radar. His arrival could pave the way for Isak's long-coveted move to Liverpool, with the Swedish forward having gone on strike to force a transfer to Anfield. Newcastle have already rejected a £110m offer from the Premier League champions, but a fee closer to £130m may be sufficient.
Manager Eddie Howe has been searching for a striker all summer, with moves for Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitiké, João Pedro and Benjamin Sesko all falling through. Callum Wilson has joined West Ham, and uncertainty surrounds Isak, meaning Howe remains in the market for two forwards. A second £55m bid for Wolves' Jørgen Strand Larsen was rejected this week, and negotiations for Brentford's Yoane Wissa are ongoing after multiple bids were turned down.
Woltemade, standing at 6ft 6in, has been dubbed a "Two metre Messi-Musiala" by Stuttgart fans for his deceptive skill. He is expected to convert crosses from new signing Anthony Elanga, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for £55m. Newcastle have also brought in Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsdale this window, adding depth that may compensate for Isak's potential departure.
