Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade is not the subject of a Barcelona attempt, despite reports to the contrary.
Sources close to the player contacted by Sport Witness have insisted that reports linking the Newcastle striker with a move to the Camp Nou are “nonsense”.
Barcelona claims are nonsense
Reports in Spain this week have claimed that Nick Woltemade is on Barcelona’s shortlist as they seek a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker left on a free transfer this summer, while Ferran Torres is increasingly likely to join Paris Saint-Germain. That will leave Barcelona without a recognised centre-forward in Hansi Flick’s squad should it go through.
Reports in Spain quickly named Woltemade as a potential target. But sources close to the player consulted by Sport Witness had labelled such claims “nonsense”. They have also admitted that reports around the 24-year-old’s future are becoming tiresome.
The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from St James Park following a disappointing first year in the North East last season.
First season Newcastle United struggles
Woltemade has also openly admitted that he was not happy with his first season in England.
“I’m expected to score or provide an assist in every game. But if I’m not playing in attack, it’s much more difficult for me to get into dangerous scoring positions,” he said in June.
“Of course, I’m not happy with how things have gone in the past few months. Especially since my start at Newcastle was so strong. That raised expectations, including for myself.”
He did, however, insist that his focus was on the future, rather than securing a quick exit.
“I moved to the Premier League at 23, the best league in the world. I’ve learned a lot this season,” he added.
“I’ve improved athletically; I can keep up with the tremendous pace. I can hold my own in challenges. Overall, it’s been a step forward. That’s why I have no doubts about Newcastle. I’ll make my mark there.”
New manager, new direction
Sport Witness covered a report just a day after those comments that insisted Nick Woltemade would be considering his future after the World Cup. That was heavily dependent on Eddie Howe’s plans for this season, though.
Now he has gone, Matthias Jaissle is in charge, and Newcastle United’s plans are very different. That is almost a clean slate for the German to work with.
How he features in the Newcastle manager’s plans, remains to be seen. An exit, at least to Barcelona, can be firmly put in the “nonsense” category for now.
