Juventus have reached an agreement with Newcastle United to sign German striker Nick Woltemade on loan, capping a dramatic final day of the summer transfer window that also saw Jonathan David close in on a move to Atletico Madrid.
A Striker for Spalletti
Woltemade, 24, has agreed personal terms with the Bianconeri after a rapid negotiation in the final hours of the window. The former Stuttgart forward, who joined Newcastle for around €75 million just one year ago, will travel to Turin for medical examinations and to put pen to paper on his contract.
The deal takes the form of an expensive loan, with Juventus paying Newcastle a fee reported by Sky Sport to be in the region of €5 million for the temporary switch. Woltemade remains under contract at St James' Park until 2031 on wages of approximately €10 million gross per season.
The Germany international rose to prominence at Stuttgart before his high-profile move to the Premier League, where opportunities proved limited under Eddie Howe. Juventus identified him as the ideal replacement for David, who is set to join Atletico Madrid on a loan with an obligation to buy.
David's Exit Paves the Way
Jonathan David's departure was the catalyst for Woltemade's arrival. The Canadian striker had been one of the standout performers in Serie A last season, but with his contract winding down and interest from Spain mounting, Juventus opted to cut a deal rather than risk losing him for nothing.
The agreement with Atletico Madrid was described as being in its final stages, with the Spanish side expected to take David on an initial loan before making the move permanent. His exit freed up the wage bill and the attacking slot that Woltemade now fills.
Zirkzee and Sorloth Left Behind
Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward who found himself on the margins at Manchester United, had been heavily linked with Juventus in recent weeks. He was also attracting interest from Fiorentina. However, the club chose to move decisively for Woltemade instead, ending Zirkzee's hopes of a return to Serie A.
Alexander Sorloth, the Norwegian striker at Atletico Madrid, was another name on Juventus's shortlist, but Woltemade's profile — younger, with a higher ceiling and Serie A potential — made him the preferred target for coach Luciano Spalletti.
What Woltemade Brings
At 24, Woltemade represents a blend of experience and development. His time at Stuttgart showed a striker comfortable operating both as a target man and dropping deep to link play, a quality that should complement the attacking talent already at Spalletti's disposal. His aerial presence and finishing ability give Juventus a different dimension up front.
The German international now faces the challenge of adapting to Italian football at a club where expectations are sky-high. With the transfer window slamming shut, he will have a matter of days to integrate with his new teammates before the Serie A campaign resumes in earnest.
Sources
- https://www.calciomercato.com/liste/juventus-woltemade-c-e-l-accordo-trattativa-avanzata-con-il-newcastle-formula-e-cosa-manca-per-chiudere/bltadc6ef1960649601
- https://www.corriere.it/sport/calciomercato/diretta-live/26_agosto_31/calciomercato-notizie-oggi-diretta.shtml
