Bayern Munich’s chief, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, was left stunned by the massive transfer fee paid by Newcastle United for VfB Stuttgart’s star player, Nick Woltemade.
Bayern Munich’s chief, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, was left stunned by the massive transfer fee paid by Newcastle United for VfB Stuttgart’s star player, Nick Woltemade. The deal, worth €90 million, saw Woltemade move to the Premier League club, leaving Rummenigge to wonder if Stuttgart had found an “idiot” willing to pay such a hefty sum.
The Transfer Saga
Woltemade had been a target for Bayern Munich, with the club identifying him as a potential signing to strengthen their attack. However, despite having several bids rejected, Bayern ultimately decided not to meet Stuttgart’s demands. Rummenigge’s comments suggest that the club’s decision not to pursue Woltemade further was due to the high asking price.
Rummenigge’s Reaction
“I can only congratulate those in Stuttgart for finding – I’ll use quotation marks here – an idiot who paid that much money,” Rummenigge said. “Because we certainly wouldn’t have done that in Munich.” His reaction highlights the surprise and skepticism within the Bayern Munich hierarchy regarding the transfer fee.
Woltemade’s Move to Newcastle
Woltemade’s decision to join Newcastle United has been seen as a significant coup for the Premier League club. The player has expressed his happiness with the move, citing the club’s clear plan and family-like atmosphere as key factors in his decision. Newcastle United’s willingness to pay €90 million for Woltemade demonstrates their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete with the top teams in the Premier League.
Bayern Munich’s Transfer Strategy
Bayern Munich’s transfer strategy has been under scrutiny in recent times, with the club’s decision not to sign Woltemade being seen as a missed opportunity. However, the club has made some significant signings, including Luis Diaz from Liverpool and Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea. Rummenigge’s comments suggest that Bayern Munich is cautious about overpaying for players and will carefully consider their transfer decisions.
Implications for Bayern Munich
The transfer saga has implications for Bayern Munich’s future plans. The club’s decision not to sign Woltemade may lead to them exploring other options in the transfer market. With several senior departures in the attack, Bayern Munich will need to strengthen their squad to remain competitive in the Bundesliga and European competitions ¹.
