Nick Woltemade admitted he was unhappy with his debut season at Newcastle United but is confident he can turn things around on Tyneside.
Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart for a club-record fee of £65m (€75m) and quickly adapted to life in the Premier League with Eddie Howe’s side.
He became the fifth player to score more than 4 goals in his first five games for Newcastle in the top flight, and the first since Callum Wilson (four) in October 2020.
But the Germany international struggled to replicate his fast start for the remainder of 2025-26, finishing with 11 goals and four assists in 51 appearances in all competitions.
Woltemade, who made his name as a central striker in the Bundesliga, Howe often played out of position, with 10 of his appearances coming from attacking midfield.
“I’m expected to score or give an assist in every game,” Woltemade told Stern, as quoted by Fussball Transfers.
“But if I don’t play on offense, it’s much more difficult for me to get into dangerous positions to score.
“I’m not happy with how things have gone in the last few months. Especially because my start at Newcastle was so strong. That raised expectations, even for me.”
Nick Woltemade has become the fifth player to score more than 4 goals in his first five Premier League games for Newcastle, after Les Ferdinand (4), Michael Owen (4), Loïc Rémy (5) and Callum Wilson (4). pic.twitter.com/hqf6BJREnZ
– Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) October 18, 2025
Despite Woltemade’s problems, he was selected as part of Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man Germany squad for this summer’s World Cup.
He was involved in more goals than any other German player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scoring four goals (from four shots on goal) and providing one assist.
And the 24-year-old believes a productive campaign in North America can help him take off at St. James’ Park next season.
“At the age of 23 I arrived in the Premier League, the best league in the world,” Woltemade added. “I have learned a lot this season.
“I’ve improved athletically, I can keep up the tremendous pace. I can withstand challenges. Overall, it’s been a step forward.
“That’s why I have no doubts about Newcastle. I will leave my mark there.”
