Bayern Munich board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has branded Newcastle United “foolish” for their club-record signing of German forward Nick Woltemade.
The 23-year-old striker joined Newcastle in August from Stuttgart for an initial €75 million (£65m) with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons, a figure Rummenigge insists Bayern Munich would never have paid.
Bayern Munich themselves had been in the market for Woltemade as a long-term successor to Harry Kane and as a short-term attacking option amid Jamal Musiala’s injury layoff. However, negotiations with Stuttgart stalled when the German champions refused to meet the €75m threshold.
“A Fool Who Paid That Much”
Speaking to German outlet Bild, Rummenigge did not hold back in his assessment of the deal.
“I can only congratulate the people in Stuttgart for finding – let me use quotation marks here – ‘a fool’ who paid that much money, because we certainly wouldn’t have done that in Munich,” he said.
According to the Bayern Munich board member, the club had set three different valuations for Woltemade, with the highest at €60m. But once Stuttgart made it clear that €75m was the minimum acceptable offer, Bayern Munich withdrew from the race. Rummenigge added that Bayern Munich’s leadership, including Uli Hoeneß, Herbert Hainer, Jan Dreesen, and Max Eberl, were unanimous in refusing to sanction such a fee.
Newcastle Baffled by Bayern’s Obsession
Inside Newcastle, there is puzzlement at why Bayern Munich continue to comment on the deal. Sources close to the club suggest the constant remarks from Bayern Munich are unhelpful and reflect more on Bayern’s failed transfer window than Newcastle’s ambition.
For Newcastle, Woltemade’s signing was a statement of intent under their Saudi-backed ownership. Manager Eddie Howe views the German international as a player capable of leading the attack for years to come. Club executives also believe his resale value could justify the investment if his development continues on its current trajectory.
Bayern Munich’s Summer of Missed Targets
The Bavarians’ criticism comes after a summer marked by frustration in the transfer market. In addition to missing out on Woltemade, Bayern Munich failed in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who opted for a blockbuster move to Liverpool instead.
These setbacks have left the German champions short of depth in key attacking areas, especially with Musiala sidelined until early 2026. While Kane remains the talisman, Bayern Munich’s lack of a secondary marquee signing has increased scrutiny on their transfer strategy.
Rummenigge defended Bayern Munich’s caution, stressing that fiscal discipline must prevail even in an inflated market. “We shouldn’t meet every demand to make someone happy, especially the financiers at Stuttgart,” he argued.
Woltemade’s Early Impact in England
For Newcastle, Woltemade’s short stint has already shown promise. The striker has featured in five games across all competitions, scoring twice and adapting quickly to the Premier League’s physical demands.
His performances have reassured Newcastle fans that the record fee may prove worthwhile if his development continues. Supporters hope he can form a formidable partnership with Alexander Isak, giving Howe more attacking options as the club competes in both domestic and European competitions.
While critics like Rummenigge question the price, Newcastle are betting that Woltemade’s prime years will justify the investment. For now, the German forward has the chance to silence the doubters on the pitch.
