In a moment that will live long in the memory of Newcastle United fans, new signing Nick Woltemade marked his Premier League debut with a crucial goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers, at St. James’ Park.
The towering German striker rose highest to power home a header in the 29th minute, giving the Magpies a 1-0 lead in what proved to be a tightly contested first half.
The goal came from a well-delivered cross by Jacob Murphy, allowing the 6’6” forward to outmuscle the Wolves defense and nod the ball past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone with precision and power. It was a dream start for the 23-year-old, who had only joined Newcastle two weeks prior in a club-record transfer from VfB Stuttgart.
The perfect start for Nick Woltemade! 📸 pic.twitter.com/xKvWqRoG68
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 13, 2025
From Bundesliga Promise to Tyneside Hero
Woltemade’s journey to this pivotal moment has been one of steady ascent through German football. Born in Bremen, he made history as Werder Bremen’s youngest-ever Bundesliga player at just 17 years old in 2020.
After a successful stint at Stuttgart, where he netted 17 goals in 33 appearances last season and topped the scoring charts at the Under-21 European Championships, Newcastle swooped in with a long-term contract on August 30, 2025. 43 The deal, reported variously between £64.9 million and £78 million, shattered the Magpies’ previous transfer record, underscoring the club’s ambition under head coach Eddie Howe.
Upon signing, Woltemade expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m so excited to be here. The atmosphere at St. James’ Park is something special, and I can’t wait to score goals for these fans.”
Howe echoed the sentiment, praising the striker’s technical prowess, aerial threat, and character: “Nick fits perfectly into our style. He’s shown he can perform at a high level in one of Europe’s top leagues, and we believe he has even more to give.” Off the pitch, Woltemade has already endeared himself to locals, being dubbed a “true gentleman” after a visit to a popular Tyneside restaurant.
His inclusion in the starting lineup against Wolves was a bold call by Howe, with Woltemade leading the line alongside Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy in attack. The full Newcastle team featured Nick Pope in goal, a backline of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento, and a midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton (returning from injury), and captain Bruno Guimarães.
The decision paid off handsomely, as Woltemade’s physical presence disrupted Wolves’ defense from the outset.
The Match Unfolds: A Tense Affair at St. James’ Park
The game kicked off at 3:00 PM BST, with Wolves starting brightly and creating early chances. However, Newcastle grew into the contest, and Woltemade’s goal shifted the momentum.
The header, described as “powerful” and “superb,” came just before the half-hour mark, sending St. James’ Park into raptures.
The Magpies nearly doubled their lead before halftime, with Tonali striking the post and Murphy firing just wide. Another potential goal was ruled out for offside.
At the break, the score remained 1-0, with Newcastle dominating possession and looking the more threatening side. 7
Wolves, making five changes including debuts for Tolu Arokodare and a return for Johnstone in goal, struggled to convert their opportunities. As the second half progressed, live updates indicated a continued battle, with Newcastle holding firm.
Murphy missed another chance from outside the box, assisted by Woltemade himself, highlighting the debutant’s all-around contribution. 32
Reactions and What It Means for Newcastle
Social media erupted with praise for Woltemade’s instant impact. “What a way to announce yourself!” tweeted one account, while fans hailed him as the “new fan favorite on Tyneside.” talkSPORT described it as a “dream goal,” noting that Newcastle fans “could get used to watching that.”
Even neutral observers lauded the strike, with BBC Sport calling it a “debut goal” that put Newcastle ahead.
For Newcastle, this goal could be a turning point in their season. With a strong start to the campaign and Woltemade’s arrival bolstering their attacking options, the Magpies look poised for a push toward European spots. As Woltemade himself hinted in pre-match comments, he’s ready to build on this debut and contribute to the team’s success.
Woltemade’s story is just beginning at Newcastle, but if this debut is any indication, the £78 million man—wearing the No. 27 shirt—might just become a legend on Tyneside.
