Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has admitted that replacing Alexander Isak at St James’ Park has brought significant pressure following his $87 million (£66 million) summer transfer from Stuttgart.
Isak’s departure in the summer left a big gap in Newcastle’s attack, prompting the club to pursue multiple targets before eventually signing Woltemade. The young German forward has made an encouraging start in the Premier League, scoring four goals in eight appearances.
Speaking to BILD after scoring twice for Germany against Luxembourg, Woltemade reflected on the challenges of his big-money move:
"A huge relief. The whole Newcastle package had potential for tension, especially since I arrived on the last day. Then there was the transfer fee. The expectations placed on me, because Newcastle's top striker, Alexander Isak, had left. The start to the season wasn’t ideal. There was definitely pressure. I was very glad when it subsided."
Woltemade added that he quickly felt at home at Newcastle, both on and off the pitch.
"I quickly realized in Newcastle that it was a good fit not only on a footballing level, but also on a personal one," he said.
Newcastle received $169 million (£125 million) for Isak, which helped fund Woltemade’s arrival. The striker insisted that he doesn’t feel personally responsible for the transfer fee.
"I was confronted with it frequently. But I didn’t choose this situation. I’m the least responsible for the sums involved. Nevertheless, I was happy that Newcastle saw enough potential in me to pay that amount," he said.
He also noted that while the fee adds attention, it hasn’t changed his approach.
"For me personally, it makes no difference whether I go from Werder Bremen to Stuttgart on a free transfer or from Stuttgart to Newcastle for €75 million, even though I know that the fee means a few more pairs of eyes are on me. Although, in England, the issue of transfer fees is viewed much more calmly than in Germany. Within the team, the transfer fee isn’t a factor at all."
Newcastle has already faced Liverpool this season, losing 1-0 to Rio Ngumoh’s late strike. Both Isak and Woltemade were absent from that fixture. The sides will meet again at Anfield in January, where both strikers are expected to feature for their new clubs.
According to Liverpool.com, both players show promise:
"Isak is still working his way up to full sharpness, but we know that he can be a top Premier League player. Woltemade is still adjusting to English soccer, but he too looks like a big talent."
