Nick Woltemade appeared to be a ready-made Premier League star, which makes his Newcastle United struggles all the more difficult to fathom in his native Germany.
Impressive start at St James' Park
The big striker caught the headlines when he moved from Stuttgart to St James' Park almost a year ago in what was a club-record deal for the Magpies. Initial fears over his ability to cope with the pace of the English top flight were soon dispelled as he scored on his debut against Wolves, and went on to notch against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton in an impressive first few months on Tyneside.
However, the wheels soon started to fall off, and Woltemade ended the season without a guaranteed place in the side and with only one Premier League goal to his name in 2026. What's more, he lost his place in the Germany national side and, while he was named in the World Cup squad, barely featured as Julian Nagelsmann's side crashed out early.
Hamann's verdict on Woltemade
Former Newcastle and Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has watched Woltemade's progress with interest, and some bemusement, and feels he must blossom under new head coach Matthias Jaissle if his United career is not going to be cut short.
"It was very strange with Nick Woltemade because he seems like a really down-to-earth guy," Hamann told ChronicleLive via Andy's Bet Club. "He hit the ground running, I think he scored a header in the first game and then a penalty that he blasted into the top corner.
"I thought he would really enjoy playing in the Premier League, playing in front of those fans and being adored by the Toon Army. But then, all of a sudden, it's like he hit a brick wall. He didn't start games anymore, and when he did feature, he was played a bit further back, which is obviously not his position. He's very good technically for his height, but it's strange because I thought he was made for the Premier League."
Pressure to deliver goals
Hamann stressed the need for Woltemade to rediscover his early form, given the fee involved. "Especially after the good start he had, he's got to show that form again. He was bought for £80 or £90 million, so they expect goals from him," he said. "He's got to get into double figures from open play, I'd say, as a centre-forward playing for Newcastle, even though they might have their struggles this season. He has to show his worth to the team, and he only really did that for three or four months last season."
Hamann also addressed reports about the striker's happiness off the pitch. "There were reports last season suggesting he wasn't settled. We heard that he's not too happy in Newcastle in the North East, which I can't understand because it's a dream to play there for these fans," he added. "So I think we will find out a lot more about the situation this season because if he starts the season the way he finished last season, there'll be questions whether he should be a Newcastle player for much longer."
Opening match decision
Woltemade is in line to start when United kick off their campaign against Liverpool on Sunday, with Jaissle to decide who gets the No 10 role against the Reds. Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa could also get the nod, with Will Osula a contender to lead the line.
