Nick Woltemade has emerged as one of the most captivating young talents in European football this summer, attracting interest from some of the continent's biggest clubs. The 23-year-old striker has been turning heads with his impressive performances for VfB Stuttgart and Germany's U21 national team, making him a hot commodity in the transfer market.
Woltemade's breakthrough season with Stuttgart was nothing short of spectacular. Across 33 games in all competitions, he scored 17 goals and provided three assists, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently. His form carried into the U21 European Championship, where he has been the tournament's top scorer with five goals and added three assists in just three appearances. This remarkable output has not only helped Germany reach the semi-finals but also cemented Woltemade's reputation as a rising star.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund has publicly acknowledged Woltemade's talent, stating, “Nick is playing really well. He is very interesting.” Despite this, Bayern is currently prioritizing strengthening other areas of their squad, particularly the left wing, following the departures of Mathys Tel to Tottenham and Leroy Sané to Galatasaray. While Bayern made an inquiry about Woltemade in the spring, there have been no recent developments, and the club is unlikely to make a move for him in the immediate future. However, Woltemade remains on their radar as a potential successor to Harry Kane when Bayern become active in the striker market next summer.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also closely monitoring Woltemade's progress. According to reports from Marca, the Spanish giants view him as a promising option to bolster their attacking options. At Valdebebas, the club's board is aware of the long transfer window and plans to reactivate their recruitment efforts after the FIFA Club World Cup. Nick Woltemade's name has emerged strongly on Florentino Pérez's agenda, especially after his outstanding display at the U21 Euros, where he scored five of Germany's 12 goals. Marca described Real Madrid's opinion of Woltemade as having “sometimes outstanding performances,” highlighting their appreciation for his movement, innate goal-scoring ability, and experience with elite football.
Woltemade’s market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands around €30 million, but insiders at Real Madrid acknowledge that this figure could soar in the coming weeks due to his European Championship exploits. The club is reportedly considering him as a potential “Joselu” type — a reliable back-up striker who can contribute effectively when called upon.
On the other side of the English Channel, Everton is gearing up for a busy summer as they look to rebuild their squad. With several players departing, including striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Merseyside club has made signing a new striker their top priority. Nick Woltemade is among the targets Everton is eyeing to fill this crucial role. The club can offer the promise of regular first-team football, a significant advantage over some of his other suitors.
However, competition for Woltemade's signature is fierce. Chelsea is also interested but may struggle to guarantee him consistent playing time, especially after signing Liam Delap. Bayern Munich, despite their current focus elsewhere, remain a potential future destination. Aleksandar Pavlovic, Woltemade's teammate with Germany's U21s, has publicly urged him to join Bayern this summer, emphasizing the benefits of continuing their partnership at club level.
Despite Everton's efforts, securing Woltemade could prove challenging. The club is currently in talks to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal, suggesting they are preparing alternative options should the deal for Woltemade not materialize. Meanwhile, Stuttgart is keen to retain their star striker, having offered him a one-year contract extension until 2029 with a €1 million salary increase. Yet, the club is beginning to accept the likelihood that it will be difficult to keep Woltemade beyond this summer given the interest from Europe's elite teams.
Adding to Woltemade's rising profile is his recent debut with Germany's senior national team, marking him as one of the country's great hopes for the next World Cup. His ability to perform on big stages, coupled with his physical presence and technical skills, makes him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
As the U21 European Championship semi-final against France unfolds, all eyes remain on Woltemade to see if he can continue his remarkable run and lead Germany to the final. A strong performance could further boost his stock and intensify the summer transfer saga surrounding him.
The situation is developing rapidly. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton, and Chelsea are all weighing their options as they consider how Woltemade fits into their plans. Stuttgart's determination to keep him faces the harsh reality of the market's demands and the player's ambition to compete at the highest level.
With the transfer window still open and the U21 Euros ongoing, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal for Nick Woltemade’s career trajectory. Whether he remains at Stuttgart to build on his breakthrough or moves to one of Europe's top clubs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the German striker is a name to watch this summer.
