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5 hours ago
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Real Madrid are poised for a rebuild under the new leadership of Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is looking to bring in players who would suit his philosophy at the Spanish capital.
Los Blancos have already strengthened their backline with the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. They have also snapped up River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who is considered to be one of the brightest talents in world football.
However, Madrid are far from over this summer as they step up their interest in Bundesliga sensation, Nick Woltemade, as per reports on Marca. The VfB Stuttgart marksman has been one of the best players in the ongoing U-21 European Championships.
Woltemade has caught Alonso's attention during his breakthrough season at VfB Stuttgart, and he feels that the 23-year-old has the potential to become Madrid's backup striker.
The young sensation has been linked with a move out of the Bundesliga this summer. Apart from Real Madrid, city rivals, Atletico Madrid, are also interested in the young striker.
Woltemade has been key in Germany at the U-21 Euros, where he has netted six times and provided three assists whilst setting up a final against England on Sunday, June 29.
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His performances in the ongoing U-21 Euros have impressed Real Madrid management, and therefore, they have stepped up interest in the 23-year-old. He is exactly the kind of player Alonso wants in his roster, providing a different threat to Kylian Mbappe and others in his current setup.
Who is German sensation Nick Woltemade?
Woltemade is considered one of the best talents to come out of the German youth setup. He rose through the ranks at Werder Bremen and also featured for their senior team before moving out to VfB Stuttgart in 2024.
Nick Woltemade had 8.82 touches in the opposition’s box p90 in the 24/25 Bundesliga, putting him in the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues. He scored 12 goals in 28 matches.
Presence. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/IuBvbDrbux
The 6-foot-6 forward had an excellent campaign with Stuttgart, where he scored 17 goals in 33 appearances across competitions.
His impressive performances for Stuttgart were duly rewarded as Julian Nagelsmann handed him a senior debut for Germany in last month's Nations League semifinal against Portugal.
Despite his tall stature, Woltemade has exceptional ball control and is extremely fleet-footed. His movements in and around the final third are unnatural for a striker of his physical frame.
He is traditionally not a targetman as he likes to drift wide or drop deep as an attacking midfielder. Woltemade is capable of scoring goals and also creating chances for himself and his teammates.
If his move to Real Madrid materialises, he would provide a different outlet upfront for Los Blancos than Mbappe. Therefore, Alonso is keen to bring him to the Spanish capital.
As per reports, VfB Stuttgart will demand an asking fee in the region of €60 million ($69.7m). Apart from the La Liga clubs, German champions Bayern Munich are also interested in the 23-year-old versatile forward.
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