Newcastle star labelled ‘worst-ever Premier League signing’ after Alan Shearer claim

Newcastle’s big-money summer signing Nick Woltemade has come under fierce criticism after a difficult run of form, with one prominent pundit even branding him the “worst pound-for-pound signing” in Premier League history.

The 24-year-old striker arrived at Newcastle United in a deal worth around £69 million from VfB Stuttgart, having enhanced his reputation with an eye-catching campaign for Germany U21 at the European Under-21 Championship. Woltemade struck six goals in five appearances during that tournament, convincing many that Newcastle had secured one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents.

Signed to help fill the void left by the prolific Alexander Isak, Woltemade initially suggested he could justify the hefty fee. He netted five times in his first 10 outings for the Magpies, showing glimpses of composure and technical quality in front of goal. At that stage, optimism around St James’ Park was high, with supporters believing they had found a forward capable of spearheading the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

However, the early promise has since faded. Over the course of 2026, Woltemade has managed just one goal in 17 appearances, a return that has intensified scrutiny. His struggles in front of goal have coincided with a noticeable dip in confidence, and in recent weeks he has even been deployed in a deeper central midfield role — a move that has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

That positional switch has become central to the criticism aimed at both player and manager. Eddie Howe’s reluctance to consistently use Woltemade as an out-and-out striker has prompted questions about whether the German truly fits Newcastle’s tactical blueprint. On talkSPORT, presenter Adrian Durham delivered a scathing assessment of the situation.

Durham argued that while the criticism was not personal, the scale of the investment demands far greater impact. Speaking after Newcastle’s European tie against Qarabag FK — a match he felt presented an ideal opportunity for the striker to shine — Durham was astonished to see Woltemade operating in midfield rather than leading the line.

According to Durham, the decision suggested a lack of trust in Woltemade’s ability to perform as a traditional No.9. He pointed to the striker’s modest tally of one goal in 18 games as evidence that he has failed to establish himself in that role. Yet, Durham also dismissed the idea that Woltemade could thrive as a No.10 or advanced playmaker, comparing him unfavourably to established Premier League creators such as Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Bruno Fernandes and Morgan Gibbs-White.

In Durham’s view, Newcastle’s system does not accommodate a traditional No.10, and dismantling their established midfield structure to suit Woltemade would create further imbalance. With just two league assists to his name and limited influence on matches, the presenter claimed the club are effectively searching for a role that suits a player who cost nearly £70m — a situation he described as fundamentally flawed recruitment.

Durham stressed that Woltemade is undoubtedly talented and reportedly a positive presence in the dressing room. The problem, he argued, lies in the mismatch between the player’s attributes and the team’s needs. Newcastle required a reliable goal-scorer to replace Isak’s output, yet Howe has experimented with the German in multiple positions, seemingly unsure where he fits best.

The criticism has not been limited to radio punditry. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also weighed in, suggesting that Woltemade’s playing style may be incompatible with the high-intensity approach that has defined Howe’s most successful Newcastle sides.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Shearer highlighted the fact that winger Anthony Gordon has at times been preferred through the middle as a telling sign that Woltemade has not delivered as expected. For Shearer, the core issue revolves around physicality and energy. Newcastle’s resurgence under Howe has been built on aggressive pressing, relentless work rate and the ability to suffocate opponents high up the pitch.

Shearer questioned whether Woltemade possesses the stamina and dynamism required to execute that game plan effectively. Attempts to deploy him in a deeper midfield role have, in Shearer’s opinion, exposed those limitations rather than solved them. Without the legs to press consistently or the explosiveness to stretch defences, Woltemade’s more measured style appears at odds with Newcastle’s established identity.

Ultimately, both critics agree on one central theme: the uncertainty surrounding Woltemade’s best position is damaging. Whether as a No.9, a No.10 or a deeper midfielder, he has yet to convincingly make any role his own. For a player commanding such a significant transfer fee, that ambiguity is difficult to justify.

As the season progresses, Howe faces a crucial challenge — either adapting the system to maximise Woltemade’s strengths or finding a way to reintegrate him into a clearly defined role. Until that happens, debate over the German’s place in the team — and the wisdom of Newcastle’s investment — is unlikely to fade.