Nick Woltemade has scored four goals in 13 appearances for Juventus since joining on loan from Newcastle United, but his start in Serie A has been mixed, according to Italian reporter Mirko Di Natale.
The Germany international moved to Turin in September after a season at Newcastle that saw his form dip following a club-record £69million transfer from Stuttgart. He scored nine goals in his first three months at St James' Park but managed just two goals in 2026, leading to experimentation as a midfielder and number 10 under Eddie Howe and later Matthias Jaissle.
Juventus signed Woltemade on a season-long loan without an option to buy, leaving the door open for a return to Newcastle next summer. He has impressed in Europe, becoming just the third Juventus player to score in each of his first three European matches, but took until his ninth league appearance to score his first Serie A goal.
What attracted Juventus to Woltemade
Di Natale, of Tutto Juve, said Juventus were looking for a striker who could play in Luciano Spalletti's 4-2-3-1 formation. The first choice was Brahim Diaz, then the club negotiated for Joshua Zirkzee, but terms were not favourable.
"Nick Woltemade's name emerged at the end of the transfer window and was a good opportunity to seize," Di Natale said. "The negotiations were very quick, and Nick immediately accepted the project and the move to Turin."
Mixed start and position questions
Di Natale acknowledged Woltemade has struggled in Serie A compared to Europe but said the difference is subtle. "I think it's only a matter of time before he can celebrate in Serie A as he did in the Europa League," he said. "Nick is finding consistency alongside Kolo Muani and is proving very useful as a support player. He just needs to be more aggressive in front of goal."
On his best position, Di Natale said Woltemade is not the perfect number 9 for Spalletti's style but works well alongside Kolo Muani and with Alajbegovic or other wingers. He added that the £69million fee "affected his judgment and put unnecessary pressure on him."
Fans' affection and future prospects
Di Natale described Woltemade's relationship with fans and Spalletti as "magnificent." He said fans adore him for his extravagant look and desire to stay out of the spotlight, and noted a song called 'Il Gigante di Brema' was dedicated to him, which Woltemade celebrated on social media.
On a permanent move, Di Natale said no decisions have been made, but Newcastle valued Woltemade at at least €75million in the summer, though they are unlikely to sell at that price. He added that Matthias Jaissle could be an ally for Juventus because he does not currently see Woltemade as a Newcastle player, and if the player expresses a desire to stay, the clubs could talk again next spring to find favourable terms.
