Uli Hoeneß has launched a damning attack on Lothar Matthäus, holding the TV pundit directly responsible for Bayern Munich's failed attempt to sign Nick Woltemade. The Bavarian club's honorary president told Der Spiegel that Bayern were far closer to securing the versatile forward than the public realised, with Woltemade having committed to join the club before the deal collapsed.
According to Hoeneß, Bayern and Stuttgart had reached agreement at around €55 million. The transfer hinged on keeping valuations quiet during negotiations. However, Matthäus publicly suggested Woltemade's market value sat between €60 and €80 million—a claim that fundamentally shifted Stuttgart's negotiating position. "They would have come under such pressure that they would have been too stupid to carry out what Matthäus was trumpeting to the world," Hoeneß said bluntly.
The Public Valuation That Changed Everything
Woltemade ultimately joined Newcastle United from VfB Stuttgart for €75 million, a fee that reflected the inflated market expectations Matthäus had created. Hoeneß emphasised he does not oppose freedom of expression but condemned the "disruptive impact on ongoing transfer talks." He added: "He doesn't have to exploit his position to keep hurting FC Bayern."
The German international's first season in the Premier League has proven uneven. Under manager Eddie Howe, Woltemade has been deployed in deeper roles, limiting his chances to operate as a natural striker. Playing time dwindled as the campaign progressed, sparking speculation about a potential summer exit. Bayern Munich remain actively hunting a versatile forward to complement Harry Kane—a player capable of operating as a classic number nine or dropping deep to link play. Woltemade's profile fits that requirement almost perfectly, positioning Bayern for a potential second attempt should the Newcastle forward become available.
For now, the Bavarians appear more focused on securing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle as Kane's deputy and competition on the left wing, but the Woltemade situation remains fluid enough to warrant close monitoring ahead of the summer transfer window.
