Didi Hamann exclusive: Woltemade deal a warning to Bayern Munich board

Posted Friday, November 28, 2025 by tribalfootball

Former Newcastle United midfielder Didi Hamann believes Nick Woltemade's move to St James' Park was a watershed moment for Bayern Munich.

Woltemade and his former club VfB Stuttgart left Bayern furious after he was sold to Newcastle for a fee rising to €90m.

The decision led to backlash from Bayern identities, with both Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness taking aim at Newcastle and Woltemade over the move.

Asked about the reaction, Hamann, who also played for Bayern, told Tribalfootball.com: “He's (Rummenigge) not involved in the daily business anymore. He made a huge contribution to Bayern Munich as a player and then obviously as a CEO and honorary president.0

"Nick Woltemade wanted to go to Munich, but obviously Stuttgart played tough. They said €60-65 million was not enough for the player.

“The talks were called off, and a few days or weeks later, Newcastle stepped in, obviously needing somebody to fill in. They were prepared to pay what they probably didn't need to, but it showed intent and a lot of faith in the player."

Hamann also said, “If Bayern Munich doesn't get players, it shows a change. Twenty years ago, if they wanted a player from the Bundesliga, they would get him. It was like a monopoly, the best players went to Bayern Munich and then, like Michael Ballack and others, some of them moved on.

“But obviously, it's changed because Kai Havertz and Leroy Sane went straight to England. Sometimes they do take it personally.

“I think Woltemade handled it well, and I think the club Newcastle handled it well. It's just one of those things I wouldn't read too much into, but obviously, they were very disappointed, not getting a player for €60-65 million who has only played one season in the Bundesliga.”

- Didi Hamann was speaking to Tribalfootball on behalf of CoinCasino