Newcastle United handed Nick Woltemade solution despite Michael Owen transfer claim

The Magpies' expensive new front line isn't yet giving the club the kind of returns they'd hoped for

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Matheus Nunes of Manchester City controls the ball whilst under pressure from Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James' Park on March 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Newcastle United's new strikers are yet to show their best in a difficult season, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa sharing just 13 goals in all competitions.

Woltemade has yet to score a league goal in 2026, and Eddie Howe's blunt attack has caused him major headaches this season as the team languish in 12th place going into the international break.

Ex-Magpie Michael Owen thinks that the club should seek another transfer solution - but some fans in the Chronicle Live comments section are still torn on whether Howe is using Woltemade in the best way he could.

Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, told ChronicleLive: "Maybe Newcastle paid over the odds for him, but given the Isak transfer, Newcastle wanted a number 9 who could be their talisman and it just hasn’t worked out that way.

"I like Woltemade, he has his strengths, but for the future, I don’t think he is the main striker for Newcastle. So yes, they would need to look at an alternative I feel."

Woltemade's unique skillset, and how best to deploy it, has been a puzzle since he arrived. Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is likely to use him a central striker, and he says that Woltemade is "often played very deep" at Newcastle, and that "when he's defending as a double pivot, it's quite a long way for Nick to cover."

How to solve that puzzle is still a divisive issue amongst fans. Reader Chopper13 says: "Play him up front as part of a two and supply him, I think Wolt and Wissa would come good if paired, or Wolt and Osula."

Commenter Glen Eden writes: "I’ve been critical of Woltemade playing in a midfield position, so in my honest opinion, the German manager’s comments are spot on. Play Nick up front, within 30 metres of the opposition goal, or don’t play him at all."

Geordie Sports Divers disagrees: "The problem is when Woltemade did play further up as the Toon striker, he didn’t get in to the box enough. In my opinion, summer will be the time to get big Nick used to his playing position, whichever that may be."

Billyman says that it may not work out in black and white: "Newcastle has been providing poor service this season. The wingers combined have only 13 assists in all competitions, with only 4 in the league. He was left isolated up front and needed to drop deep to get the ball. He has also been instructed to drop deeper and even when playing as a midfielder he has predominantly been used in an 8 role.

"As the German manager said, to get the best out of Nick he needs to be play closer to goal with support from other attacking players, which he does in the national team. I hope that he gets a move to Bayern because he is not being used effectively at Newcastle."

On our Facebook page, Paul Jackson says: "This kid can play... Just needs a system he can play in."

George Kevin Atkinson writes: "All this waffling on. How many strikers hit it off immediately? Not many. He will be fine if he stays next season."

Lester Carls says: "Some major talent there, just needs to add some urgency to his play, as he turns like a 16-wheel truck. Do better at holding the ball up, and being less predictable."

Shaun Patrick Watson writes: "Imagine if Chelsea treated Didier Drogba like this after a poor debut season?"

George Riddell says: "The lad is being played in midfield. Totally crackers, Howe is making him look useless."

Alison Ellis adds: "Who put the ball on the end of Anthony Gordon's toe to score on Sunday? These people are just plain stupid, he's a great player doing a new job, give him a chance. He's still scored goals. The majority of Gordon's goal have come from penalties not open play and he's the striker!"

Using the comments section below, tell us if you think that Newcastle will try to buy a new first-choice striker in the summer.

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