Newcastle United’s marquee signing last summer, Nick Woltemade, made a flying start to life in England before losing momentum, leaving manager Eddie Howe uncertain about whether the German should remain his first-choice striker.

Woltemade was one of the headline transfers of the summer of 2025.

In excellent form with VfB Stuttgart, the 23-year-old appeared close to joining Bayern Munich before the move collapsed amid rising demands from his club. Newcastle seized the opportunity, paying €75 million (£65m) to bring him to St James’ Park — a hefty fee for a striker who had scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 33 appearances the previous season.

After breaking into the German national team, Woltemade arrived late in the transfer window but made an immediate impression. He scored four goals in his first five Premier League matches.

Since then, however, his form has dipped sharply. The forward has managed just three more league goals, while in the UEFA Champions League he has scored only once — against Union Saint-Gilloise on matchday two.

Replaced up top

Although Woltemade remains a regular starter, Howe no longer consistently deploys him as the team’s central striker.

During the Champions League play-off against Qarabag FK, the German was used as an attacking midfielder instead. His contribution was limited — no goals and no assists — despite Newcastle scoring nine times across the tie.

He was again positioned behind the striker in a league match against Everton and in an FA Cup clash with Manchester City. Between those games, Woltemade even missed the trip to face Manchester United — the only one of the three matches Newcastle won.

The situation has drawn comparisons with Joelinton, who arrived from TSG Hoffenheim in 2019 as a striker before being reinvented as a midfielder under Steve Bruce.

Statement needed

Compounding Woltemade’s struggles is the rise of Anthony Gordon. Normally a winger, Gordon has been deployed centrally and has flourished, particularly in the Champions League with 10 goals — including four in the first leg against Qarabag — and two assists in 10 matches.

With debate intensifying over Woltemade’s best role, the German urgently needs a standout display to silence doubts and win over Newcastle supporters.

The upcoming last-16 clash against FC Barcelona provides the perfect stage.

With the FIFA World Cup approaching, the match could be a defining moment for Woltemade. It may also represent his final opportunity this season to prove he can justify Newcastle’s huge investment — a reputation that risks fading quickly if he fails to rediscover his form.