Newcastle United have completed the signing of Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade in a club-record £69m deal, paving the way for Liverpool to return with a British-record bid for Alexander Isak.
The Magpies will pay £64.86m (€75m) plus £4.3m (€5m) in add-ons for the 23-year-old forward, surpassing the £63m they spent to sign Isak from Real Sociedad three years ago.
Woltemade’s arrival raises the prospect of Isak leaving St. James’ Park before the transfer window closes, with Liverpool ready to revive their pursuit.
Newcastle have long insisted the Sweden international would only be sold if a replacement was secured, but the club are now targeting a second striker before seriously entertaining Liverpool’s offers.
Liverpool saw a £110m-plus-add-ons bid for Isak rejected earlier in the summer, but the striker has made clear he wants to leave, refusing to feature so far this season.
Newcastle beat Bayern Munich to Woltemade’s signature after the German champions had multiple offers turned down this summer.
The 6ft 6in striker scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart last season, earning widespread praise in Germany for his unorthodox style.
Speaking after completing his move, Woltemade said Newcastle had “big plans” for him:
“From the first contact, I felt the club really wanted me and had big plans for me. It’s a big step to leave Germany but everyone has welcomed me so well. I’m really excited to play and start scoring goals here.”
Sky Sports analyst Adam Bate described Woltemade as “unconventional,” noting his ability to drift wide, drop deep, and dribble past defenders despite his height.
Former Stuttgart striker Cacau also hailed him as “a perfect No 9” who combines goalscoring with creativity.
Newcastle are also pushing to sign another striker before the deadline; Brentford’s Yoane Wissa remains a leading target after two failed bids, though Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen is considered unlikely due to his similarities with Woltemade.
Both managers addressed the Isak situation on Friday; Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted he could give “no clarity” over the striker’s future.
Meanwhile Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was coy but confirmed his side remain open to strengthening “for the right money and the right player.”