"Painful, but unavoidable" – Stuttgart boss looks back on Woltemade sale to Newcastle

Towards the end of the 2025 summer transfer window, VfB Stuttgart broke their transfer record by selling Nick Woltemade to Newcastle United for a reported €75 million.

Speaking in a recent interview with Sport Bild, Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth described the decision to sell the striker as “unavoidable,” given the player’s desire to move and the “historic” size of the bid.

“Nick’s departure was painful, but unavoidable. He was determined to move, and the offer from Newcastle was historic in its size and impossible to refuse,” Wohlgemuth said.

“Speculating about where we would be with Nick today is pointless. Others have filled the gap created by his exit. 

“One thing is certain: this transfer has made us not only more financially stable but also more independent, and it has enhanced our reputation within Europe.”