Nick Woltemade is a step in right direction for new Aston Villa transfer policy - Verdict
Aston Villa are looking to build on their Europa League win this summer, with Nick Woltemade linked with a move.
The forward made the move to Newcastle last summer for £65million, after scoring 18 times in the second half of the season for VfB Stuttgart.
Starting like a house on fire in the North East, things would tail off for the towering German - as the season itself did for the Magpies.
Scoring 11 times and laying on five assists, Woltemade would finish the season with a respectable record, though there are obvious rumours surrounding his future after being deployed in midfield at times.
Villa themselves are aiming for further progression, after bringing their 30-year wait for a trophy to an end.
To secure this, they need to begin preparing for the next generation, and Woltemade would be a step in that direction.
Nick Woltemade future remains uncertain as Aston Villa ready to pounce
Newcastle would end the season in 12th, with Eddie Howe tinkering with his lineup for large parts of the campaign as he scrapped for results.
This would eventually lead to Woltemade operating in midfield, even in a deeper lying role at times.
Spanish outlet, AS, report that it is widely assumed he will leave Newcastle this summer, with around £56m set as the valuation.
The report adds that Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid are keeping a close eye on the forward, with Aston Villa mentioned as a club who could meet the asking price.
The 24-year-old is currently away with Germany at the World Cup, though the form of former Stuttgart teammate Deniz Undav has resulted in a lack of meaningful minutes - capping off a miserable 2026 for Woltemade.
Is a refresh needed at Aston Villa?
Unai Emery has worked wonders since his move to the Midlands in 2022.
To make this even more incredible, it must be acknowledged that he has worked with what is the same squad in the majority for the entirety of this period.
However, this group is also not getting any younger, with striker Ollie Watkins going through barren spells at times last season.
The Villans did secure a return to the Champions League though, which is a testament to both Emery and his squad.
But, the Spaniard must begin to prepare the next generation in B6, with Villa carrying sky-high ambitions of one day competing for the very top prizes.
Woltemade has had a disappointing spell, but a signing of his ilk would be a massive step in the right direction ahead of what could be a new transfer policy.