“Distinctive.” “Different.” “Unique.”
Ask those inside Newcastle United to describe Nick Woltemade and the sentiments are similar. As one first-team source — speaking anonymously so they can talk freely, like others throughout — puts it, “he breaks the mould” for a 6ft 6in (198cm) striker.
Woltemade delivered what Eddie Howe labelled “a massive moment in our season” by scoring the winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which did not sound especially hyperbolic despite the campaign being just four games old. This was Newcastle’s first victory of the 2025-26. “That’ll do him the world of good,” was one insider’s verdict, while Woltemade admitted he could not have wished for a “better debut”.
The 23-year-old is not a stereotypical target man. Woltemade is certainly not Alexander Isak, who he succeeds as Newcastle’s record signing (and who he took nine minutes fewer than to get off the mark in a black-and-white-striped shirt). Woltemade is hard to portray; you actually have to watch him play.
What he offers is an exclusive profile, one which has enthused Newcastle staff who believe he is the ideal prototype for Howe to mould. Technically excellent, tactically intelligent, a strong finisher, and tall but with massive room for physical development — Newcastle feel he has the attributes to become top class.
Yet he was signed with the future in mind.
Even though Newcastle paid €75million (£64.9m) to buy Woltemade from Stuttgart, they did so primarily because of his promise. Last season and during the European Under-21 Championships, Howe became increasingly taken with this atypical striker. Still, Woltemade was not even a priority target in July, partly because Newcastle thought Stuttgart would not sell after Bayern Munich saw three offers rejected.
Woltemade heads in his first Newcastle goal (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Although Newcastle believed Woltemade could contribute immediately, Yoane Wissa was supposed to carry much of the short-term goalscoring burden. Had Wissa not suffered a knee injury — it is reported the DR Congo striker will be out for four to six weeks but his timeline remains uncertain — he probably would have started against Wolves.
Instead, Howe had to thrust Woltemade straight in. Some around the first team were simply unsure how Woltemade would fare against Wolves — Benjamin Sesko’s early struggles at Manchester United were cited — given he had only been at Benton for four days’ training, just two of which were full sessions with his team-mates.
Woltemade accepted there was “some pressure” following Newcastle’s failure to score in two of their opening three matches, which only accentuated the absence of an out-and-out senior forward.
Yet, alongside his blond curly hair and goatee, Woltemade has a host of tattoos, including one which reads, “Think positive.” Those who know him stress that it is his mentality. His best friend has been with him throughout on Tyneside, which has kept him calm and focused, while he has a close family support network. Woltemade took the No 27 shirt as a nod to his mother’s birthday.
He told his friends on Friday that he wanted to “enjoy” his St James’ Park bow, rather than stress about it.
For much of the match, Woltemade displayed his unconventional traits. But his pivotal 29th-minute contribution was what Howe termed a “classic football goal”.
Precisely what you would expect from most tall strikers — intelligent movement followed by a powerful and well-placed back-post header — but not Woltemade. One coach who worked with Woltemade in Germany warned last week that, aerially, he is “average”.
However, the one genuine goalscoring chance Woltemade was presented with, he took. “That’s what he’s paid to do,” Howe said.
It came via a trademark Jacob Murphy delivery, with the winger contributing his 12th open-play assist since August 2024. On Friday, Murphy told Woltemade to be ready for crosses and the striker, who worked on his heading at Stuttgart, “closed my eyes” and met it.
Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s legendary No 9 who was magnificent in the air, praised Woltemade’s execution, “What a cross and an even better header,” he wrote on X.
While Isak often played on the shoulder, Woltemade played almost permanently with his back towards goal — asking for the ball to feet or coming short to link up with delightful one-touch layoffs. One released Joelinton on the overlap, with the Brazilian tasked with getting closer to the striker, and another teed up a shot for Murphy. There was also a sumptuous chipped pass down the wing to send Harvey Barnes clear.
“Nick’s got strengths we need to use,” Howe said. “There’s no point in playing long balls in behind for him.”
Newcastle tried to change the way they played inside a week to accommodate Woltemade, who is still learning his team-mates’ movements.
Joelinton pushes Woltemade towards the Newcastle supporters (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“I like to drop, come into the room where the midfielders are to make an overload,” Woltemade said. “We’ve only had four training sessions but the guys already know they can play the ball more to my feet.”
Importantly, language has not been an issue, with Woltemade already holding detailed conversations in English with multiple figures. During training, the focus has been upon teaching Woltemade the intricacies of Newcastle’s press, what is expected of him physically and set-play instructions.
Howe has found an individual who is comfortable in himself — desensitised to the fascination with his unusual characteristics — and who he felt could handle the scrutiny of the price tag. Rather than be fazed by leading the line for Newcastle, he welcomed the opportunity.
Woltemade’s team-mates have been taken by his demeanour, which is not to take himself too seriously.
He appears destined for cult-hero status. Woltemade has already been to Dood, a Persian restaurant on the Quayside frequented by Newcastle players, and photographed shopping in Tesco. He has humbly stopped for selfies galore, usually sporting a baseball cap.
Even before he scored, a new chant — “Wol-te-ma-de, ole, ole, ole” — was chorusing around St James’. “To get my own song is nice,” he said.
Woltemade has made friends on and off the field (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Admittedly, beyond Woltemade’s goal, he did not have further chances. Of his 20 touches, five came in the opposition box, and of his three shots, one was blocked and another off-target. Work is still required to integrate him fully.
Woltemade began cramping up, having found the Premier League’s intensity fierce, and asked to come off after 65 minutes. Newcastle recognise that physically developing him is key.
At full time, Howe strode forward to hug Woltemade, thank him and remind him he should savour that winning feeling. Woltemade was then cheered into the dressing room. During a short speech, he told his team-mates how welcome he felt, that he was delighted to be here, and thanked Murphy for his cross.
With Wissa sidelined, Woltemade is going to need to keep performing because Will Osula offered little threat when he came on.
Patience was being preached with Woltemade but, if he scores against Barcelona, it is going to be impossible to contain the hype.
(Top photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)