Soccer
Nick Woltemade has admitted he was far from pleased with his debut season at Newcastle United but is confident he will be able to turn things round on Tyneside.
Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart for a reported club-record fee of £65m (€75m) and quickly adapted to life in the Premier League with Eddie Howe’s side.
He became the fifth player to score 4+ goals in their first five appearances for Newcastle in the top flight, and the first since Callum Wilson (four) in October 2020.
But the German international struggled to replicate his fast start for the rest of 2025-26, finishing with 11 goals and four assists in 51 games across all competitions.
Woltemade, who made his name as a central striker in the Bundesliga, was often played out of position by Howe, with 10 of his appearances coming from attacking midfield.
“I’m expected to score or provide an assist in every game,” Woltemade told Stern, as quoted by Fussball Transfers.
“But if I’m not playing in attack, it’s much more difficult for me to get into dangerous scoring positions.
“I’m not happy with how things have gone in the past few months. Especially since my start at Newcastle was so strong. That raised expectations, including for myself.”
Nick Woltemade has become only the fifth player to score 4+ goals in their first five Premier League appearances for Newcastle, after Les Ferdinand (4), Michael Owen (4), Loïc Rémy (5), and Callum Wilson (4). pic.twitter.com/hqf6BJREnZ
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) October 18, 2025
Despite Woltemade’s struggles, he was selected as part of Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man Germany squad for the World Cup this summer.
He was involved in more goals than any other German player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scoring four times (from four shots on target) and delivering one assist.
And the 24-year-old believes a productive campaign out in North America can help him kick on at St. James’ Park next season.
“I moved to the Premier League at 23, the best league in the world,” Woltemade added. “I’ve learned a lot this season.
“I’ve improved athletically, I can keep up with the tremendous pace. I can hold my own in challenges. Overall, it’s been a step forward.
“That’s why I have no doubts about Newcastle. I’ll make my mark there.”
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