Newcastle United are about to break their transfer record with the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, but it had been unclear if the German striker would be available to face Leeds United.
For Premier League fans as a whole, this summer’s transfer saga has been the future of Alexander Isak. Loved by Newcastle supporters, Isak shocked the footballing world by refusing to play for The Toon.
Newcastle have refused to sell the Swedish ace until a replacement has been found and on Thursday evening, it emerged that Newcastle had agreed a club-record £69m deal to sign Stuttgart’s Woltemade.
A giant of a striker that might be a touch unheard on these shores, but those watching England U21s progress at the European Championships in Slovakia will know all about Germany U21s main man.
Keith Downie says if Woltemade will be available for Leeds clash
Premier League rules state that a player must be registered by 12pm the previous working day of a match. In this instance, Woltemade would have to be registered by midday on Friday to face Leeds.
While Woltemade is in England and set to sign on the dotted line, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has told supporters on X that Woltemade’s arrival is likely to come too late to be registered for Saturday.
He said on X: “Nick Woltemade unlikely to be registered in time to face Leeds United tomorrow. He’s currently having his Newcastle medical ahead of £69 move.”
Keith Downie also reports which Newcastle players will be fit
Eddie Howe’s men come into the game after a bruising encounter with Liverpool, which saw them go within an inch of winning a point despite being two goals down and reduced to 10 men for 45 minutes.
Yet, they equalised to make it 2-2 before Liverpool scored an injury-time winner. Anthony Gordon’s red card means he will be suspended, while there were doubts over Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
Downie reports that Joelinton will join Gordon on the sidelines after his knock against Liverpool has proved too much to overcome. Tonali will be a late decision for Howe’s men, while Schar is available.
Leeds have their own injury issues. Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu are sidelined, while Noah Okafor is a ‘major doubt’ after suffering a groin strain. Daniel Farke hinted Dominic Calvert-Lewin could feature.
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