Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade should look at Niclas Füllkrug’s return to Germany as inspiration for his own career.
That’s the opinion of German icon Lothar Matthäus, who believes that the Newcastle man needs to seriously consider a return to the Bundesliga if he can get it.
Woltemade is currently on loan at Juventus, having been shipped out by Newcastle late in the summer window.
He was the Magpies’ big summer signing last year to replace Alexander Isak, costing €75m after impressing at Stuttgart.
He lived up to that fee early on at St James Park with several impressive performances but ended the season out of the team and playing in midfield under Eddie Howe.
Summer exit
Questions were raised about his future in the summer as a result. Initially it appeared new manager Mathias Jaissle was keen to work with him and make the transfer a success.
But that optimism didn’t last long. Instead, Woltemade was sent on loan to Juventus for a season instead. That loan move is yet to get going, with question being raised after two goals in seven games so far.
Both of those have come in the Europa League. He is yet to score in Serie A. Indeed, he is yet to start a game in the league for the Italian giants.
Last weekend saw the real low point as Juventus were beaten 3-0 at home by Lazio. The Newcastle striker was a substitute in that game, managing 45 minutes in the second half.
Legend advice
Lothar Matthäus was one of those watching the German international. He can see comparisons to Niclas Füllkrug, who also endured a miserable time in England with West Ham.
He returned to Germany this summer on loan at Werder Bremen. Since then, he’s enjoyed his best ever start to a league campaign, with six goals in six games to his name. Matthäus believes Woltemade should be watching with interest.
“The situation is similar to what Niclas Füllkrug went through. It didn’t work out in England, and now it’s not working out in Italy either, so what next? Does he head back to Germany?” he told ProSieben.
“In Füllkrug’s case, it paid off to sacrifice some money. He’s smiling again in Bremen. It just goes to show that money shouldn’t be the most important thing. He’s happy once more; he never felt the same level of love and affection anywhere else as he did in Bremen.
“The question is whether any German club can still afford him. If a Bundesliga side has a pressing need, they might reach out. But one thing is certain: Woltemade would have to lower his salary expectations.”
