Newcastle United is facing challenges this season, particularly regarding their high-profile signing, Nick Woltemade. The forward, acquired for €75 million in the summer, has gone goalless since December, marking 14 consecutive matches without finding the net.
Woltemade’s Goal Drought
Woltemade has played a total of 631 minutes in the Premier League without scoring. His struggles extend to international duty as well, where he did not score in two March national team matches.
During a recent match against Crystal Palace, Woltemade played only six minutes as a substitute, witnessing the team’s defeat after Jean-Philippe Mateta netted the winning goal for Crystal Palace.
Comments from Head Coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle’s head coach, Eddie Howe, addressed Woltemade’s limited playtime, stating, “I do not select the team based on transfer fees. I rely on what I see in training and matches.”
- Woltemade has made 14 Premier League appearances without scoring.
- His last goal came on December 20 against Chelsea, where he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw.
Transfer Investments and Team Performance
Newcastle also invested €57.7 million in Yoane Wissa from Brentford. Wissa has similarly struggled to find the net, scoring just once in 14 league matches and spending the last four games with minimal playtime.
Together, Woltemade and Wissa represent a total investment of €132.7 million, aimed at compensating for the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for €145 million. In contrast, the duo has accumulated only 19 goal contributions so far this season.
Current Standings and Future Outlook
Newcastle currently sits in 14th place in the league, far from the upper table positions they occupied in previous seasons. Notably, the Magpies have given up leads in seven matches, leading to losses or draws, including their recent tie with Crystal Palace.
In the match against Crystal Palace, it was the young Danish player, William Osula, who shone, scoring his third goal of the season. Howe praised Osula, highlighting his training performance and growth as integral to his team selection.
The team’s inability to convert leads into wins is a pressing concern moving forward. Newcastle fans will be watching closely to see if Woltemade can regain his scoring touch as the season progresses.
