Newcastle Manager Howe Defends Record £69m Woltemade Signing Amid Bayern Criticism

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has defended the club's record signing of Nick Woltemade, following criticism from Bayern Munich executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who called the £69 million fee for the German striker a foolish purchase. Howe dismissed the criticism as irrelevant and attributed the transfer fee to market forces, expressing confidence in Woltemade's ability and character despite the pressure of his hefty price tag. Woltemade, who arrived from Stuttgart and replaced Alexander Isak, has made a strong start with two goals in three Premier League appearances and is expected to make his first Champions League start. Howe praised Woltemade's adaptability and performance during a challenging adjustment period with limited training time. The Newcastle boss emphasized that Woltemade will be judged on his contributions to the team, not the transfer fee, and highlighted the player's potential as a goal scorer, particularly with his aerial ability. Newcastle aims to rebound in their Champions League campaign after a recent home loss to Barcelona and a Premier League defeat to Arsenal.