Nick Woltemade is already regretting his move to Newcastle United, according to Stuttgart legends Karlheinz Förster and Hansi Müller.
The Germany international completed a €75 million switch to St James' Park last summer following Alexander Isak's departure, but his first season in England failed to live up to expectations.
After a promising start, the striker struggled badly for consistency and eventually lost his place in Eddie Howe's starting line-up.
Woltemade's Newcastle spell stalls
Woltemade made an encouraging start to life in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old scored four goals in his first five league appearances before adding another three goals and one assist before the turn of the year.
However, his form collapsed during the second half of the campaign.
The German went 17 consecutive Premier League matches without scoring before finally ending the drought against West Ham United in May.
By then, Eddie Howe had turned to William Osula, who impressed enough to take over as Newcastle's first-choice striker.
Stuttgart legends believe move came too soon
Speaking to BILD, former Stuttgart defender Karlheinz Förster insisted he warned Woltemade against leaving Germany so early.
“Nick hasn’t really settled in at Newcastle yet, that’s the honest truth,” Förster said.
“I said as early as last summer that I was certain it would have been better for his development if he’d stayed at VfB for another year.”
“Of course, he’s earning a lot more money in England, but perhaps deep down he’s already regretted the move.”
Former Germany midfielder Hansi Müller echoed that view, suggesting Woltemade's salary may be the only positive aspect of his first season.
“Of course, Nick beams every month when he checks his bank balance,” Müller said.
“But he’d certainly love to play from the start again and score a few goals.”
International future also affected
Müller believes the lack of regular football at Newcastle has also damaged Woltemade's international prospects.
The striker was previously a regular part of Germany's plans but has now slipped out of contention.
“He’s not even in the picture there. That’s a bitter blow,” Müller added.
Despite the criticism, both former Stuttgart stars remain convinced of Woltemade's ability and believe he can still rebuild his career if he starts playing consistently again.
For Newcastle, the coming season could prove decisive in determining whether their €75m investment eventually pays off.
Key points
- Stuttgart legends believe Nick Woltemade regrets joining Newcastle.
- The striker scored seven league goals before suffering a 17-match drought.
- William Osula eventually replaced him in Eddie Howe's starting XI.
- Karlheinz Förster believes Woltemade should have stayed at Stuttgart.
- Hansi Müller says only his salary is making him smile.
- The striker has also fallen out of Germany's international plans.
What’s next?
Woltemade will hope for a fresh start when Newcastle begin the new season, but faces competition from William Osula for a place in Eddie Howe's attack.
Regular playing time will be crucial if he wants to revive both his Newcastle career and his chances of returning to the Germany squad.
Has Nick Woltemade been given enough time at Newcastle, or was his move to the Premier League made too soon?
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