Newcastle United have announced the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart in a club-record transfer.
The 23-year-old forward joins on a long-term deal after Newcastle agreed to pay an initial £65 million with a further £4.3m in performance-related add-ons.
The fee surpasses the £60m spent on Alexander Isak in 2022.
Woltemade arrives after a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga, where he scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart.
He also won the Golden Boot at this summer’s European Under-21 Championship with six goals for Germany.
The striker said Newcastle’s intent convinced him to make the move. “From the first contact, I felt like the club really wanted me and had big plans for me,” Woltemade said.
“It’s a big step in my life to leave Germany, but everybody has welcomed me so well and it already feels like family.
“I have a really good feeling from speaking to the head coach that this is the right place for me to find my best level.”
Manager Eddie Howe described the signing as an important addition to his squad. “We’re delighted to get Nick’s signing over the line so quickly,” Howe said.
“He fits the profile of what we have been looking to add to our attacking options.
“He has great technical ability, he has proven himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, and he is still young enough to improve even further.”
Woltemade’s arrival comes at a time of uncertainty over the future of Isak, who has yet to feature this season.
Newcastle rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool earlier this month and insist that he is not for sale.
The Magpies have been active in the striker market this summer following Callum Wilson’s departure on a free transfer.
Approaches for Jorgen Strand Larsen, Yoane Wissa, Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro all fell short before they secured Woltemade.
The forward, who came through the ranks at Werder Bremen before joining Stuttgart in 2023, will wear the number 27 shirt.
He already has two senior caps for Germany and is set to link up with the national squad for World Cup qualifiers next week.
