Intense Poker Showdown: Hoeneß and Matthäus Lock Horns in High-Stakes Game
In a developing transfer saga, Nick Woltemade, the top scorer at the U21 European Championship, finds himself at the centre of a heated negotiation between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern Munich.
The striker, who lost the final to England in the U21 competition, has reportedly caught the eye of Bayern Munich, with the player said to be interested in a switch to Munich this summer. However, the transfer fee is proving to be a stumbling block.
VfB Stuttgart is reportedly demanding around €100 million for Woltemade, a figure described as a "three-digit million figure" by sources such as Kicker. This demand has been described as "wide off the mark" by Sky Germany, suggesting that Stuttgart may not have officially confirmed such an extreme demand, and that negotiations are yet to begin in earnest.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, had initially hoped to secure the signing for about €50-60 million, but Stuttgart's valuation has significantly exceeded that expectation, placing the ball firmly in Stuttgart's court since Woltemade has three years left on his contract and no release clause.
Uli Hoeneß, honorary president of FC Bayern Munich, has criticized Lothar Matthäus for putting pressure on VfB Stuttgart with such statements, implying that a lower transfer fee would make VfB look like the loser in public. Matthäus, a record national player and TV expert, responded to Hoeneß's criticism, stating he no longer takes Hoeneß's insults seriously.
Meanwhile, Matthäus has also pointed out that he correctly estimated the total volume of Florian Wirtz's transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to FC Liverpool. As the transfer poker between both clubs continues, it remains to be seen whether Stuttgart will lower their demands or Bayern Munich will raise their offer.
Elsewhere, a 36-year-old man in Wackersdorf was found to have a blood alcohol level of 4.73 and was taken to the hospital. A motorcyclist died in an accident in Oberfranken due to a car driver failing to notice him while turning. A man was found lifeless under his tractor on a hop field, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause, including the possible influence of heat.
In other news, a student reported a sexual assault to the police, and any information is appreciated. Weiden's secondary schools are granting heat dispensation this week, while high schools are cancelling some sports classes due to lost school time having consequences. Three teenagers have been identified as repeat offenders for pelting pedestrians with eggs in NOC Weiden, with two of the teenagers facing charges of dangerous bodily harm.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the focus remains on Woltemade and whether he will push for the move to Bayern Munich, risking damaging his reputation at Stuttgart if he provokes a standoff. The negotiations are expected to be a test of both clubs' resolve and a significant moment in the German football landscape.
Despite the initial €50-60 million offer from Bayern Munich, Stuttgart's demand for around €100 million for Nick Woltemade, who emerged as a potential transfer target following his impressive performance at the U21 European Championship, has proven to be a stumbling block. This high valuation, described as a "three-digit million figure," may force Woltemade to consider other sports or European-leagues, if a move to the premier-league with Bayern Munich doesn't materialize.
