Alexander Isak edges closer to Liverpool move as Newcastle confirm Nick Woltemade signing

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Sport | Football

The summer’s most acrimonious transfer saga is set to go down to the wire

New arrival: Nick Woltemade

AFP via Getty Images

Arthur Ferridge1 minute ago

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Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade in a move which leaves the door ajar for Alexander Isak to complete his transfer to Liverpool.

It is a club-record deal for the Magpies, who will pay £65m upfront with a further £4.3m in add-ons for the German - eclipsing the £63m paid to sign Isak from Real Sociedad three years ago.

The signing has clear implications for the Swede.

His push to join Liverpool this summer has been well documented, and he remains on strike as he looks to force the transfer through.

Newcastle’s hierarchy are desperate to keep him on Tyneside, but it is understood that he will be allowed to leave if the club can sign two strikers before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Liverpool are reportedly waiting for the green light to send an improved bid of around £130million.

Woltemade’s addition means just one more centre-forward signing is required for Isak to be allowed to leave, and Newcastle are pressing on in negotiations for both Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

Woltemade has titanic shoes to fill on arrival in the northeast after Isak racked up 29 goal contributions last season.

The Germany youth international played just one season for Stuttgart, tallying 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances.

He will wear the No27 shirt, left vacant since Freddie Woodman left the club in 2022.

On signing, Woltemade said: "I'm really happy to be at this amazing club.

From the first contact, I felt like the club really wanted me and had big plans for me.

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"It's a big step in my life to leave Germany but everybody has welcomed me so well and it already feels like family.

I have a really good feeling from speaking to the head coach that this is the right place for me to find my best level.

"I know the stadium from watching games on television - it looks amazing and I know the atmosphere is crazy.

I'm really excited to play and start scoring goals here."

Eddie Howe added: "We're delighted to get Nick's signing over the line so quickly.