Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has opened up about his fitness challenges since joining the club from Stuttgart. The German forward, signed for £69 million, recently completed his first full 90 minutes for the Magpies and shared insights into his adaptation to the Premier League’s intensity.

Woltemade admitted that adjusting to the English game has been demanding but remains confident that his best form is yet to come. “That was the first game I could play without cramps. For the first time in a long time, I had energy,” he said. “We’ve worked on it really well, though training sessions have been limited.”

The 23-year-old forward has already scored four goals this season, outperforming Alexander Isak in the goalscoring charts. Despite being sidelined from the Germany squad due to an infection, Woltemade expects to return fully fit for Newcastle’s next fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.

He also discussed a penalty incident during a Europa League clash against Union SG, where Anthony Gordon took the spot-kick instead of him. “I’m a striker and I want to take penalties. Gordon did really well, but I just want us to score goals,” Woltemade explained.

The young striker praised the atmosphere at St James’ Park and the support from manager Eddie Howe, stating, “The gaffer is such a good gaffer. You can see on the pitch that I fit in really well. We’ve built great energy from the bench, and that’s been key.”

As Newcastle head into the international break with back-to-back wins, Woltemade’s growing confidence could make him a central figure in the club’s attack. Fans are already comparing him to German great Rudi Völler, with many calling him the “German giant” leading the Magpies’ frontline revival.