Woltemade Explains His Message to Bayern After ‘Idiots’ Remark

Nick Woltemade has broken his silence following some sharp comments surrounding his £69 million transfer from Stuttgart to Newcastle United.

sarah

Nov 17, 2025 - 19:35

Woltemade Explains His Message to Bayern After ‘Idiots’ Remark

The German international signed with the Magpies after Newcastle had made a financial commitment to Bayern Munich, tracking him until 2025. Ultimately, Bayern declined to make a move for the 6-foot-6 striker, and he became Newcastle's record signing.

Bayern and German legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had labeled the Toon owners "fools" for offering the money. However, Woltemade has scored seven goals in his first few months on Tyneside.

Speaking to German media, Woltemade explained why he maintained silence on the distracting headlines surrounding his move to the Premier League with United.

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Woltemade said: "My colleagues commented on it, not me. I think it was the right move."

"There was a lot of talk over the summer about my name, Bayern, and the transfer fee; that was the story of the summer."

"The answer to your question: the headlines everywhere said 'stupidity.' But I read Mr. Rummenigge's full statement – it was certainly somewhat unfortunate, but not that dramatic."

Woltemade said that stars like Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka made it clear that his move to Newcastle was a good move – even if he couldn't join them in Munich.

He said: "When I joined the national team, everyone congratulated me. Even the Bayern players congratulated me.

"When they see a player's progress, you get congratulations. That's what happened to me. There were no negative comments, especially because my circumstances were special."

Rummenigge strongly criticized PIF and Newcastle, saying: "I can only congratulate them at Stuttgart for finding someone stupid enough to pay such a large sum, because we don't do that. I said: We're coming in at a scale that I no longer find acceptable. We shouldn't give in to all their demands."

"Players and their agents should also be careful not to trap themselves. Money has to come from somewhere, and that comes from expanding competitions or creating new ones."

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