Former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle believes Bayern Munich are still sulking after missing out on the signing of Nick Woltemade. The 64-year-old says the German giants are showing 'a little bit of sour grapes' after the 23-year-old striker joined Newcastle in a record £69 million ($93m) deal despite a personal agreement to join Vincent Kompany's team.
Bayern’s frustration over missing out on Woltemade
Bayern tried more than once to bring the German striker to the club over the summer, with their final bid reportedly touching €60m (£52m/$70m). Stuttgart, though, refused to budge below €75m (£65m/$87m). Meanwhile, a desperate Newcastle made a club-record £69m offer and got the deal done. The move didn’t go down well in Munich, though, as Bayern board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge branded the Magpies 'idiots' for spending that much and even sarcastically congratulated Stuttgart for cashing in.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Better wages, better everything' – Waddle on Bayern’s reaction
Speaking to , Waddle said Bayern’s frustration comes from losing out on a player they thought they had already secured.
"They probably thought they had him at a lower price," he said. "Newcastle have obviously looked for a centre-forward after the saga with Isak. They've looked around and thought who's available? They've looked at Woltemade because he's a good player. He's a tall guy. He's quite mobile. Technically he's all right."
"Bayern Munich thought, 'he’s a player we can snap up who could replace Harry Kane in a couple of years.' They probably thought they had a deal done. But Newcastle came in and I think it's a little bit of sour grapes."
"I think Newcastle's offered a better contract, better wages, better everything. Bayern Munich would probably think they would get him at the price that they think he's worth. They think Newcastle's paid over the top. Time will tell on that."
Waddle believes it will be a 'mixed season' for Magpies
Despite acquiring the German striker, Waddle warned that the Magpies might find it harder to match last season’s success due to limited squad depth.
"I don't think the squad's big enough or strong enough to compete in all the competitions they're in. So he's gonna have to manage them very well. But you know when you're leaving these key players out, you take a lot away from the team. And no disrespect to the replacements – they're not as strong as the players who usually start. So it will be a mixed season again for Newcastle."
GettyWhat's next for Woltemade and Newcastle?
The 23-year-old has settled quickly in England, scoring four goals across all competitions. However, Newcastle have struggled to find consistency so far this season, winning just two of their first seven Premier League games and sitting outside the top 10 in the standings. Woltemade might have to play a bigger role in the coming weeks to make his record-breaking transfer to Newcastle a big success.
