Newcastle’s New Weapons: Wissa and Woltemade
The Newcastle United striker saga has finally been solved after the Magpies answer back with a double statement of intent. Following the record-breaking sale of Alexander Isak, last season’s Carabao Cup winners splashed more than £120 million to secure Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
After a summer of torture for many Newcastle fans they now have two strikers who can fill the void of Isak’s goals and together spearhead a new era at St James’ Park. On the 30th August Newcastle confirmed the signing of Woltemade for £65 million. The 6’6 German comes with some high expectations but to really understand what he is capable of you have got to go back to where it started.
Growing Pains Before The Breakthrough
The forward broke into the first team and became the youngest Bundesliga debutant for the club at just 18 years old, despite some early signs of promise his first team impact remained modest after only making five first team appearances in the Bundesliga.
A breakthrough season in Germany’s third tier where the 65-million-pound man managed to find the back of the net on 10 different occasions. Throughout his 31 appearances he managed to guide Elversberg to a first-place finish and won the 3. Liga Player of the Season award.
In May 2024, Werder officially confirmed that Woltemade would not extend his contract and would leave as a free agent. It was time for change after the giant scored just a handful of goals in over 40 senior appearances. VFB Stuttgart offered Woltemade first team football playing in the centre forward role. The German forward enjoyed a Bundesliga breakthrough after scoring 12 goals in the league and a further five in The DFB Pokal, with one coming in the final which Stuttgart won.
Golden Boot Glory
Woltemade lit up the 2025 U21 Euros, he finished as the top scorer with six goals, including a hat-trick against Slovenia. He combined power with smart link up play to also notch up three assists throughout the tournament. The 23-year-old showed that he was far more than a traditional target man and became one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers and paved the way for his record move to Newcastle, as well as his ascension to the Germany senior team.
Many believe Newcastle’s £55 million move for Yoane Wissa was heavily overpriced for a 29-year-old with one year left on his deal.. and yes, it was. However, Eddie Howe has brought in a proven Premier League goal scorer to St James’ Park. The new number nine is known for his pace, relentless work rate and eye for goal.
Wissa’s Journey From Goalkeeper to Premier League Striker
Wissa started out as a goalkeeper at the age of seven before moving into midfield and eventually to the forward roles he is well known for. The French born forward had a relatively late start for a professional footballer as he joined LB Chatteauroux’s academy as the age of 16. He went on to make his debut two years after joined the club and managed to find the net seven times in 24 appearances.
Back in 2018 Wissa made the move to FC Lorient and slowly became a key player for the club after helping them secure promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2019/20 season. He managed to score 35 league goals across three seasons. This form allowed Wissa to assert himself as one of France’s promising forwards.
At Brentford, The Congolese international quickly became a Premier League standout. Over four seasons he combined pace, power and versatility. Last season Wissa took his game to a new level netting 19 non-penalty Premier League goals. Despite things ending on a sour note at Brentford the forward was loved by the Bees supporters.
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Can they fill Isak’s void?
Newcastle’s summer signings are more than replacements; they are tactical enhancements. Wissa brings a proven Premier League Cv that emphasises relentless pressing while Woltemade provides height and creativity. Together they allow Howe to deploy multiple formations based around a heigh intensity attack.
Liverpool’s new talisman scored 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle last season. If the new duo can combine 15 goals each in all competitions this season then Isak will not be missed, however if one struggles then their partner will have to take their game to a hole new level.
By: Joe Lumley / @Joenalism2004
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Jacques Feeney / Offside