Bayern Criticizes Newcastle’s €90m Move for Woltemade Amid Saudi Influence Claims

Bayern Munich’s Uli Hoeness has publicly questioned Newcastle United’s club-record signing of Nick Woltemade, saying the German striker isn’t worth the reported €90 million fee and blamed the inflated price on Saudi Arabian cash.

WHAT WAS SAID

Asked about Hoeness’ comments on German television, he said: “Woltemade isn’t worth the €90m fee,” before adding that the amount of money being spent on the 23-year-old will continue “as long as there is so much money coming from Saudi Arabia” into Newcastle‘s coffers.

The high-profile transfer saw Woltemade leave VfB Stuttgart and head to St James’ Park for a club-record fee that has been officially confirmed at €85 million for a player who had become one of the most talked about young strikers in Germany.

WOLTEMADE’S RECORD AND STUTTGART SHOCK

Woltemade’s height, build, and playing style have led to comparisons with some of the best strikers in the Premier League, and reports have repeatedly linked top Bundesliga clubs with a move for his services. Instead, the attacker moved to the Premier League.

His price tag has left many Stuttgart players and staff shocked, with a host of former teammates expressing disbelief at just how much Newcastle were willing to pay for a forward who scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 33 matches during the 2024/25 season and helped the club to a DFB Pokal win last season.

NEWCASTLE’S SEASON AND WHAT COMES NEXT

Woltemade will want to make a positive start to his Premier League career as they host Wolves after the international break before hosting Barcelona for their first match in the Champions League. Newcastle, currently 17th in the standings, need to rebound as they stand far from the team’s goals of qualifying for the Champions League.

While the presence of Financial Fair Play means that Magpies fans are unlikely to see Middle Eastern-style transfer fees flash across their screens anytime soon, Newcastle are tipped to continue their lavish spending and bolster their squad in the next few windows.