Manchester United Target Nick Woltemade as £45m Backup Option to Sesko Move

Manchester United Target Nick Woltemade as £45m Backup Option to Sesko Move

 

 

 

1. Strategy Insight: Woltemade Emerges as Backup Plan

 

With Benjamin Šeško remaining United’s primary striker target, Manchester United have quietly placed Nick Woltemade on a shortlist as an alternative. Valued at approximately £40–45 million, the 23‑year‑old VfB Stuttgart forward represents a cost-effective option if the £70m-plus Sesko deal proves unattainable.

 

 

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2. Woltemade’s Profile: Rising Gorwth & German Promise

 

Standing at 1.98 m, Woltemade is known for combining physicality with technical finesse. Often described as a blend between a target man and a play‑maker, he moves with surprising creativity on the ball.

 

Signed from Werder Bremen in 2024, Woltemade impressed in his first season at Stuttgart, tallying 17 goals in 33 appearances and playing a pivotal role in their DFB‑Pokal triumph.

 

He was undisputed top scorer at the 2025 Under‑21 European Championship for Germany, netting six goals in five games. Shortly thereafter, he made his senior debut in the Nations League Finals.

 

 

 

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3. Interest and Competition: Who’s Chasing Woltemade?

 

United compete with both Newcastle United and Bayern Munich for Woltemade:

 

Newcastle are reported to be in active competition with United, potentially seeing Woltemade as cover or replacement amid Alexander Isak’s possible exit to Liverpool.

 

Bayern, who previously prioritized Woltemade for long-term succession to Harry Kane, may have deprioritized the transfer after signing Luis Díaz—but they remain in the picture.

 

 

Stuttgart’s CEO has publicly stated that the club does not intend to sell Woltemade this summer unless an extraordinary offer—likely in excess of £60–65m—emerges.

 

 

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4. Why United Consider Woltemade a Smart Backup

 

Financial viability: At around £40–45m, Woltemade is significantly cheaper than Sesko and matches United’s need to balance expensive signings like Cunha and Mbeumo.

 

High potential: As Under-21 Euros top scorer and now part of Germany’s senior squad, consistent development is expected. His ceiling remains high.

 

Squad flexibility: He can operate as a lone No. 9 or second striker—providing tactical versatility to Amorim’s attack-minded system.

 

 

 

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5. Sesko vs Woltemade: A Comparative Snapshot

 

Feature Benjamin Šeško Nick Woltemade

 

Club RB Leipzig VfB Stuttgart

Age 22 23

Height ~6 ft 4in (194 cm) ~6 ft 6in (198 cm)

Last Season Goals ~13 (Bundesliga) / 39 overall (87 apps) 12 league goals, 17 total

Market Value €75–80m (£70–75m) €50m–£40m (depending on negotiation)

Preferred Destination Manchester United Bayern Munich (officially), open to change

Ceiling Elite, compared to Haaland High potential developer

 

 

Šeško remains United’s dream signing—young, athletic, and already proven in Germany—but Woltemade offers a more attainable, yet still promising, alternative.

 

 

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6. Possible Scenarios: United’s Transfer Trajectory

 

① Securing Šeško:

If United can agree terms with Leipzig—whether via a structured package or swap involving players like Rasmus Højlund—they could proceed with their marquee target. Woltemade remains an internal fallback.

 

② Pivot to Woltemade:

If negotiations for Šeško break down—whether due to valuation or player preference—United could turn decisively to Woltemade, assuming Stuttgart softens their stance. However, current official statements indicate reluctance to sell.

 

③ Third Option Emerges:

United continue monitoring other attacking targets (e.g. Watkins, Jackson, or Fermin López), keeping Woltemade in their options list if preferred deals falter.

 

 

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7. Key Risks and Deadlines

 

Stuttgart resistance: Woltemade is contracted through 2028, and Stuttgart have declined offers toward €50m—only entertaining proposals above €60m.

 

Player preference: Despite United’s interest, Woltemade has expressed preference for Bayern Munich, and reportedly rejected a direct approach from an unnamed Premier League club.

 

Market competition: Everton, Arsenal, Liverpool, and others have scouted Woltemade, potentially driving up his price or complicating negotiations.

 

 

 

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8. Integration and Tactical Fit for United

 

Under manager Rubén Amorim, United appear to favour fluid attacking setups capable of switching between formations mid-game. Woltemade’s ability to carry the ball, drop deep, and finish from various positions suits this flexibility.

 

If deployed as rotational backup or starter, he could provide fresh energy and a long-term plan—particularly if Šeško becomes too expensive or unobtainable.

 

 

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9. What to Monitor in Coming Weeks

 

Stuttgart statements: Any public softening of transfer restrictions or valuation would indicate intent to negotiate.

 

Player interviews or agent updates: Insights into Woltemade’s destination preferences could shape United’s pursuit.

 

Deals elsewhere: If Bayern resurfaces with a €60m+ bid, other clubs risk being shut out.

 

United’s pursuit of Šeško: Whether United match or exceed Newcastle’s reported €75m demand.

 

 

 

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10. Conclusion

 

Manchester United’s pursuit of Benjamin Šeško is the marquee story of this window, but Nick Woltemade sits directly below as a strong Plan B—and possibly a Plan A if Šeško falls through. Despite Stuttgart’s firm stance, United’s interest remains genuine, and Woltemade represents a compelling mix of affordability, potential, and tactical fit.

 

If circumstances align—such as a breakdown in Šeško negotiations or a change in Stuttgart’s pricing threshold—Woltemade could emerge as a smart, high-upside acquisition. For now, he remains at the fringe of United’s evolving striker strategy: less costly, promising, and ready if the club needs an alternative.

 

United fans should keep a close eye on Stuttgart’s public position and Woltemade’s personal statements in the coming days.