Nick Woltemade is officially a Newcastle United player.
Indeed, on Saturday, Newcastle United confirmed the club-record signing of Woltemade from German club Stuttgart.
The 23-year-old has signed a long-term deal at St James’ Park and has become the most expensive player in Newcastle history.
It’s a statement deal from the club. They’ve struggled to sign a striker all summer but have now beaten Bayern Munich to the capture of an international forward.
It will be brilliant to see Woltemade in action. Clearly, he needs time to settle, but just having a striker on the pitch will be a bonus for Eddie Howe at this point.
Woltemade will wear the number 27 shirt for Newcastle, rather than taking the vacant number nine shirt in the squad.
Now, he’s explained why.
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Nick Woltemade explains shirt number decision at Newcastle United
Upon signing for the club, Woltemade talked of his decision to take the No.27, which has previously been worn by Jonathan Woodgate, Steven Taylor and Henri Saivet among others.
Interestingly, the German revealed that he takes that shirt number to reflect his mother’s birthday.
Asked about his decision to take that particular number, he said: “Because of the date of birth of my mum. She’s happy.”
It’s worth noting that Bruno Guimares also chooses his shirt number for family reasons. Indeed, the midfielder dons the number 39 because it’s the same number as his father’s taxi back in Brazil.
Nick Woltemade has already told Newcastle United fans what they want to hear
Woltemade has explained his decision to join Newcastle, speaking of how much he felt the club wanted him during initial talks.
The striker has also hailed the club’s fans. During his announcement video, he described Newcastle supporters as the “best” in England, which will be music to the ears of the Geordie faithful, who have endured a largely bruising time of things this summer.
Woltemade said: “Newcastle fans are the highest fans, the best fans in England and I’m excited to play here.
He added: “I love traditional clubs and here I am. One of the best clubs. One of the best fans in England.”
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