JUST IN: Newcastle United given clear Nick Woltemade transfer response as signing defended

Newcastle United’s Frustrating Summer Window Drags On, as Transfer Questions Mount

 

It’s been a difficult and underwhelming summer transfer window so far for Newcastle United, with frustration growing among supporters as the new Premier League season looms just over two weeks away. To date, Swedish winger Anthony Elanga remains the only addition to Eddie Howe’s senior squad—a modest reinforcement for a side preparing for its highly anticipated return to the Champions League.

 

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is expected to become the club’s second major acquisition of the summer, but his arrival has been overshadowed by continued uncertainty surrounding the future of star striker Alexander Isak. The Swede has become the subject of intense transfer speculation, most notably from Liverpool, who recently had a £120 million bid rejected by the Magpies. Newcastle’s firm stance is that the player is not for sale unless their staggering £150 million valuation is met—something Liverpool appears unwilling to do.

 

For now, Isak’s fate remains unclear, and fans are left guessing what the next chapter in this saga will be. Will he stay at St. James’ Park and help lead Newcastle’s European charge, or will one of Europe’s elite clubs tempt him away before the deadline? One thing is certain: it will fall to Eddie Howe to convince the prolific forward to remain on Tyneside and continue building something special with this squad.

 

In the midst of this transfer drama, Newcastle’s recruitment team remains active in the market, with new targets reportedly under consideration as they look to strengthen the squad in key areas.

 

 

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Newcastle and Manchester United in Transfer Tug-of-War Over Nick Woltemade

 

As Newcastle weigh up alternatives in the forward department, should they ultimately miss out on long-term target Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, a new name has emerged on their radar. According to reports from The Sun, the Magpies are now preparing to compete with Manchester United for the signature of highly rated German striker Nick Woltemade.

 

The 23-year-old Stuttgart forward has impressed in recent seasons and is said to be valued around £40 million. At one point, he appeared destined for a move to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, but negotiations have since stalled, allowing other Premier League clubs to express their interest.

 

Stuttgart’s CEO, Alexander Wehrle, addressed the speculation surrounding Woltemade’s future in a recent interview with Münchner Merkur/Tz. Wehrle reiterated the club’s desire to keep hold of the promising attacker, stating:

 

> “I stand by what I said five weeks ago: We want to go into the next season with Nick — and if something extraordinary happens, we are ready to sit down at the table. Nothing has changed in that regard.”

 

 

 

Wehrle also dismissed some of the more outlandish transfer rumors, joking about the media frenzy:

 

> “You know, this week I heard that I’m negotiating with Bayern because a car with a Munich license plate was parked in front of the VfB headquarters. How many inhabitants does Munich have again? Sometimes it’s quite adventurous what’s being interpreted into things.”

 

 

 

Woltemade, a German youth international, remains under contract with Stuttgart for another three years. Wehrle insists the club has not encouraged offers, stating:

 

> “We don’t have to deal with offers because we have never indicated we want to sell him. Bayern Munich doesn’t want to sell Jamal Musiala either. We’re all professionals. I’m sure Nick will also be keen to wear the VfB jersey next year.”

 

 

 

For Newcastle, Woltemade could represent a smart investment in a long-term attacking talent, especially amid the ongoing uncertainty around Isak.

 

 

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Spanish Anger as Antonio Cordero Joins Westerlo on Loan

 

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have come under criticism in Spain following the departure of highly rated teenage talent Antonio Cordero, who has joined Belgian side Westerlo on loan shortly after completing his move to the Magpies. The decision to immediately loan him out—particularly to a club not competing in European football—has reportedly not gone down well in his homeland.

 

Reports in Spanish media outlets claim that Malaga, Cordero’s former club, had hoped to retain the talented midfielder for another season. Newcastle, however, moved decisively to sign the 18-year-old and implemented a plan to loan him out for regular senior football. Though it was suggested that Cordero would be placed in a side involved in continental competitions, that hasn’t materialized with Westerlo.

 

Despite the backlash, Malaga manager Sergio Pellicer has stepped forward to defend his former player. Speaking to AS, he praised Cordero’s attitude and professionalism during a challenging transitional period.

 

> “Antoñito showed enormous professionalism. The kid, without a doubt, is still just an 18-year-old,” said Pellicer.

“Whenever he was here, he trained at the highest level, and in the most critical moments, the kid came to me and said, ‘Míster, I’m here to give it my all.’”

 

 

 

Pellicer acknowledged the difficult nature of modern football transfers, particularly for clubs with limited resources:

 

> “It was a matter of timing on everyone’s part, the club’s, and the agency’s. I love him very much; he gave us so much. We all have to learn from this. We have to understand that we’re giving our all at this club, but in many situations, our hands are tied.”

 

 

 

ChronicleLive responded to the criticism, stating:

 

> “It’s perhaps no surprise to see Spanish media reports being critical of Newcastle’s loan decision, given they’ve taken one of Spain’s most promising talents from under their noses. Newcastle and the player will take little notice if his spell in Belgium is a success. As long as Cordero is regularly playing and impressing, the Magpies will be pleased.”

 

 

 

The decision to loan out Cordero reflects Newcastle’s growing focus on youth development and their willingness to send prospects abroad to gain valuable first-team experience, even if it means raising a few eyebrows along the way.

 

 

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With plenty of speculation still swirling, Newcastle United’s transfer window is far from over. Whether the club manages to keep hold of Isak, land a top forward like Woltemade, or see young talents like Cordero thrive abroad, the final weeks of the window could define their upcoming campaign at home and in Europe.