Newcastle United should not expect Nick Woltemade to return to the club as a new player, even if his loan spell at Juventus is a roaring success, according to ex-Magpies winger Chris Waddle.
The German striker moved to the Serie A giants on a temporary deal at the end of the summer transfer window, and has made four appearances for his new side. However, he has only started one game, a Europa League tie with NEC Nijmegen, which saw him open his account from the penalty spot.
Premier League 'too quick' for Woltemade
The 24-year-old enjoyed a sensational first few months at Newcastle following a £69m move from Stuttgart, but has since struggled with the demands of the Premier League and moved to Juventus when it became clear he would not be first choice under Matthias Jaissle.
Waddle watched his United difficulties and feels the English top-flight was just too quick for a player who has clear talent - which means fans shouldn't necessarily expect a change in form even if he starts scoring goals in Italy.
"Personally, I thought Nick Woltemade was a bit of a panic buy with Alexander Isak leaving, and cost a lot of money," he told Betpack. "We know Bayern Munich wanted him and other teams wanted him, we know that.
"He's obviously got talent, but I think the Premier League was too quick for him. I just thought to play as a number nine in the Premier League, he just didn't have the mobility or the pace.
"He's a big guy, I wouldn't say he was outstanding in the air, but he's a talented footballer. I just thought the game was too quick for him.
Style of play at Newcastle
"The way Newcastle play, high press, counter-press, chase balls behind, it just didn't suit his game. He can make himself a success at Juventus because it's a different type of football, a different league.
"Just because he might do well at Juventus doesn't mean he can come back and do well at Newcastle. I just think the league is a little bit too quick for him, so I don't expect him back."
Woltemade continues to attract attention in his native Germany, with Bayern Munich said to be weighing up a move either in January or the summer transfer window.
He scored 11 goals for United in all competitions last season, but only managed one Premier League goal in 2026, scoring in the penultimate game of the season against West Ham.
