Alan Shearer delivers Newcastle United warning following Nick Woltemade deal
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Edward Bazeley
Tue 2 September 2025 11:08, UK
Alan Shearer has outlined that Newcastle United’s deal for Nick Woltemade could go either way for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle’s summer transfer window was dictated by the fact that former star striker Alexander Isak joined Liverpool after pushing for a move.
With Isak leaving the North East, while Callum Wilson joined West Ham on a free transfer, Howe signed Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Howe’s successful moves for both Woltemade and Wissa meant that Newcastle opted against signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
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Newcastle supporters were thrilled when Woltemade joined the North East club, but the former Stuttgart man does not have any Premier League experience.
However, the 23-year-old performed well in Germany last season, scoring 17 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Speaking on The Rest is Football on Monday, 1 September, Shearer said: “It can be a really clever signing, but it comes with a risk because ultimately, I think he’s probably had maybe seven or eight months of good football.
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“Not scored a lot of goals, not got great experience (before that).
“Just under £70million.
Unfortunately, Newcastle were always going to have to pay over the limit because there’s a Saudi price now.
I’m not saying he can’t do it.”
Football Insider verdict
As Howe utilised a system with just one striker while Isak was his main forward, both Woltemade and Wissa face a tough task in replacing the Sweden star at St James’ Park.
Nick Woltemade statsAll competitions 2025/26Appearances33Goals17Assists3Woltemade performed well for Stuttgart last season
Meanwhile, as outlined by Shearer, Woltemade’s performances for both Stuttgart and the Germany Under-21s show that he has potential, but he may not instantly hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Contrastingly, at 28 years old, Wissa doesn’t boast the same sort of potential as the German, but he has previously proven his worth in the English top flight for Brentford.
Therefore, by sharing the attacking responsibilities by rotating with each other at Newcastle, Wissa and Woltemade could help each other out.
The former Stuttgart man has an imposing physical presence, whereas the ex-Brentford striker’s pace is a notable asset, coupled with his Premier League nous.
Furthermore, Wissa’s ability to operate as a winger as well as up front, means that the duo of summer signings can also play together.