In just a few hours from the first expression of interest, Juventus have moved within touching distance of completing the transfer of Nick Woltemade. Newcastle's German striker has moved ahead of Joshua Zirkzee as the Bianconeri's first choice to replace Jonathan David, who is closing in on a move to Atlético Madrid.
IT ALL STARTED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ZIRKZEE
The first concrete contacts between Juventus and Newcastle were made on 30 August. Fabrizio Romano reported at the time that the Bianconeri had asked the English club about the possibility of taking Woltemade on loan. At that point the German was one of two main options alongside Joshua Zirkzee, with the whole operation depending on a possible departure of Jonathan David.
Gianluca Di Marzio then revealed the first financial outline of the deal: talks centred on a paid loan of around €5 million with an option to buy.
WOLTEMADE SAYS "YES" TO JUVENTUS
According to Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, Woltemade has agreed personal terms with Juventus and given the green light for a move to Turin. Juventus have thus removed one of the biggest obstacles and were able to concentrate fully on negotiations with Newcastle.
The German international's desire to wear the black and white shirt became an important factor in the final stage of the operation.
WOLTEMADE OVERTAKES ZIRKZEE – GERMAN BECOMES FIRST CHOICE
As the day went on, it became increasingly clear that Woltemade was no longer merely an alternative.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the German had moved into pole position ahead of Zirkzee. The reason was not purely sporting: Newcastle's willingness to discuss a formula that suited Juventus played a major role.
Manchester United were tougher in the negotiations for Zirkzee and preferred an obligation to buy, while Newcastle showed greater openness to a loan. That allowed Juventus to step up their push for Woltemade.
FIVE MILLION FOR A STRAIGHT LOAN – NO OPTION TO BUY
Initially the talks were about a loan with an option to buy, but the final structure of the deal is different. According to the latest information from Di Marzio, a full agreement has been reached on a straight one-year loan worth €5 million, with no option to buy. That means that, under the structure now agreed, Woltemade would return to Newcastle at the end of the loan. It was precisely this formula that allowed the clubs to find common ground very quickly in the final hours of the mercato.
Sources: Gianluca Di Marzio, Fabrizio Romano, Matteo Moretto
