As the summer transfer window heats up, Everton finds itself at the center of a fierce competition to secure the services of Nick Woltemade, the promising 23-year-old striker from VfB Stuttgart. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to depart Finch Farm, the Toffees are urgently searching for a potent centre-forward to lead their line next season, and Woltemade has emerged as one of the most compelling candidates on their radar.
Woltemade’s recent performances have certainly caught the eye of scouts and managers across Europe. In the 2024/2025 German domestic season, he netted an impressive 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart, demonstrating a blend of physical presence and clinical finishing that has made him a standout figure in the Bundesliga. His contributions were pivotal in Stuttgart’s successful campaign, culminating in a 4-2 victory over Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal final, where Woltemade opened the scoring.
Beyond club football, Woltemade’s rising star has been further illuminated by his inclusion in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany senior squad. Media reports on June 4, 2025, indicated that he was poised to make his debut as a starter against Portugal, a testament to his rapid development and growing reputation on the international stage. This call-up has not only boosted his profile but also intensified the interest from top European clubs.
Everton’s interest in Woltemade is part of a broader strategy to reinforce their attacking options. According to Bild, the Toffees have been quoted a £16 million fee for the striker, a figure widely regarded as a bargain given his potential and recent form. However, this valuation contrasts with reports from German sources, including Sport Witness, which suggest that VfB Stuttgart is unlikely to part with Woltemade for less than €40 million, or roughly £34 million. Stuttgart’s stance reflects their desire to maximize profit from one of their brightest talents and to retain him if possible.
The competition for Woltemade is fierce. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and La Liga giants Atlético Madrid have expressed serious interest, while Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Everton are also in pursuit. Arsenal has reportedly already opened talks, signaling their intent to bolster their attacking ranks under Mikel Arteta. Brighton and Everton, meanwhile, are keen to capitalize on what some see as a potential bargain before the price escalates.
Adding to the intrigue is the conflicting information about Woltemade’s contract situation. While he is contracted to Stuttgart until 2028 and reportedly lacks a release clause, some reports have suggested he could leave for as little as €20 million. Stuttgart, however, has publicly declared their intention to keep Woltemade beyond this summer, underscoring their commitment to holding onto their asset unless an irresistible offer arrives.
Everton’s pursuit of Woltemade is part of a wider transfer window strategy that also includes targeting Liverpool’s young winger Ben Doak and defender Joe Gomez. These moves indicate a clear ambition from David Moyes and the club’s management to rebuild and strengthen the squad across multiple positions. The potential acquisition of Woltemade would not only fill the void left by Calvert-Lewin but also send a strong message of intent from the club.
Woltemade’s focus, for now, remains on his role with the German national team and the upcoming U21 European Championships this summer. Sources close to the player have indicated that his head is fully occupied with these commitments, and there is no immediate rush to finalize his club future. However, his performances at the international level could accelerate interest and force Stuttgart’s hand if more suitors emerge.
West Ham United’s Niclas Füllkrug recently praised Woltemade, highlighting the striker’s rapid rise and his suitability for top-flight football. Such endorsements only add to the growing chorus of voices recognizing his talent and potential impact at the highest level.
For Everton, securing Woltemade would be a significant coup, especially amid stiff competition from some of Europe’s elite clubs. The Toffees face a challenging task to move quickly and decisively in the transfer market to land the German forward. Should they succeed, it would mark a major step in their efforts to rebuild a competitive squad capable of challenging in the Premier League and beyond.
As the transfer saga unfolds, all eyes will be on Woltemade’s performances in the coming weeks, both for Germany and Stuttgart. His next moves could shape the trajectory of his career and have a ripple effect across European football’s summer transfer dealings.
Everton’s chase for Nick Woltemade exemplifies the high-stakes nature of the summer transfer window, where timing, valuation, and player ambition intertwine. With multiple clubs circling and a hefty price tag looming, the story of this rising German star is far from over, promising an exciting few weeks ahead for fans and pundits alike.
