- Matthaus praises Stuttgart for €85m Woltemade deal with Newcastle
- Striker rejected Bayern move for Premier League switch
- German side net huge fee as Woltemade’s Germany prospects boosted
Germany legend Matthaus has praised Stuttgart for their handling of Woltemade’s impending transfer to Newcastle United. According to media reports, the Premier League club have agreed a deal worth a potential €85 million (£74m/$100m) for the striker, with a further €5m available in add-ons. Stuttgart confirmed on Thursday that they had received a concrete offer and have released Woltemade from training to finalise discussions.
The transfer represents a major financial success for Stuttgart, who resisted long-term interest from Bayern Munich to secure a much larger fee from the Premier League side. Matthaus noted that Bayern were “not willing to put enough money on the table,” suggesting they did not think he would be worth the money after spending big on Luis Diaz. The move now places Woltemade in what Matthaus describes as “the best league in the world,” where he will be under pressure to justify the significant investment.
Matthaus told Bild: “One can only praise the VfB management. They did everything right in a very difficult, heated transfer window. Compliments to VfB for staying tough for so long.”
He also endorsed the striker’s move to England, adding: “He can earn a lot more there. And Bayern wasn’t willing to put enough money on the table. Unlike with Luis Díaz, for example.
“I can’t imagine Newcastle paying almost 90 million and then benching the player. I believe that Woltemade, with his stature, is a good fit for the Premier League. He now has to assert himself there.”
Woltemade is expected to complete the formalities of his transfer to Newcastle in the coming days, including a medical and signing his contract. He will then link up with Eddie Howe’s squad and will be tasked with adapting quickly to the demands of English football as he looks to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park.
