Overview

• VfB Stuttgart confirmed the sale as a club record, with reports putting the fee at €85 million plus up to €5 million in add-ons.
• Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth said Stuttgart received no approach before Thursday and was taken by surprise by the rapid conclusion.
• Bayern Munich had pursued Woltemade earlier in the window, but their offers fell short of Stuttgart’s valuation before Newcastle stepped in.
• Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned that limited minutes after a move could jeopardize a player’s World Cup prospects, placing focus on Woltemade’s role in England.
• Former players criticized the price as excessive, and DFL presidium member Axel Hellmann urged consideration of measures such as spending limits or a salary cap.