Borussia Dortmund eye Newcastle's Woltemade as potential Guirassy replacement
Borussia Dortmund are monitoring Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade as a potential summer target, according to a report from German publication Bild. The Bundesliga side is assessing options to replace striker Serhou Guirassy, who is widely expected to depart the club at the end of the season.
Dortmund's search has reportedly led them to Woltemade, a 24-year-old German international who only joined Newcastle from VfB Stuttgart last summer for a fee believed to be around 75 million euros. The move is initially being considered as a loan deal, with a permanent transfer this summer viewed as highly improbable. The interest comes amid speculation that Guirassy, who has been a key figure for Dortmund, is seeking a new challenge elsewhere.
For Woltemade, a return to Germany could offer a chance for more consistent playing time in his preferred position. Since his high-profile move to St. James' Park, he has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. However, he has not always been a regular starter under manager Eddie Howe and has sometimes been utilized in a deeper midfield role, rather than as an out-and-out forward.
Newcastle's stance on a potential loan remains unclear, and the player himself has previously indicated a desire to stay and fight for his place in the Premier League. Bild suggests that the situation could evolve based on how the final months of the season progress for both the player and the club. Dortmund are also known to have considered other attacking profiles, including TSG Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani, as they prepare for a likely offensive reshuffle.
The financial aspect of any deal would be crucial. Given the significant investment Newcastle made less than a year ago, a temporary move without an obligation to buy would allow Dortmund to bolster their attack without a major upfront commitment, while giving Newcastle flexibility regarding the player's long-term future. For Dortmund, securing a player of Woltemade's technical quality and familiarity with the Bundesliga could be an astute piece of business as they aim to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
A potential transfer would see Woltemade return to a league where he previously impressed with Stuttgart, before his record-breaking move to England. His adaptation to the physicality of the Premier League has been a process, and a season back in Germany could be viewed as an opportunity to recapture his best form. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Dortmund formalize their interest with an official approach to Newcastle.
