Football General Manager
- Stuttgart chief speaks about Woltemade
- Striker present in the team’s training camp
- Bayern unlikely to submit a third bid
After turning down two bids for Woltemade from Bayern, Stuttgart sporting director Wohlgemuth believes that an “early transfer” of the young striker is not a relevant issue, insisting that the club remain focused on starting the new season on a bright note, with the 23-year-old fully a part of their plans.
The Bavarian giants submitted two bids over the last few weeks, with the latest bid worth €50 million (£43m/$58m) plus €5m in bonuses. However, Stuttgart have been defiant, paying no heed to Bayern’s interest in one of their star turners. Negotiations with Stuttgart have been extremely difficult, as evidenced by the fiery exchanges that took place over emails. Die Schwaben remain insistent on considering bids worth at least €65m (£56m/$75m). Bayern, meanwhile, seem to have backtracked in their pursuit of the 23-year-old, unwilling to splash more than what they have already offered.
Woltemade reported for pre-season training on Monday at the camp in Tegernsee, prompting Wohlgemuth to reiterate Stuttgart’s stance on the player.
The sporting director told Sky: “There is no new position. Nick will very likely be part of our squad this season as well. We have communicated this clearly and unequivocally to the public.n
“It is our responsibility to focus on what will help us start a good new season. That’s why we are only dealing with relevant issues. And an early transfer for Nick under the current circumstances is simply not relevant.”
Most signs point towards Woltemade donning the Stuttgart colours next season. It is unlikely that they will match Bayern’s second bid and make a sale in the final month of the transfer window. On the other hand, Die Roten will be buoyed by signing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, although they will feel they paid more than they ideally should have after sealing a €75m (£65m/$87m) deal.
