Only one of Eddie Howe and £69m signing will ‘survive’ in the summer as telling tactical call looms

Eddie Howe must work out how to get the best out of Newcastle’s club-record signing Nick Woltemade.

But if he can’t, it could mean Howe is out of a job at the end of the season.

Getty

Howe has struggled to maximise the German, who signed for £69m from VfB Stuttgart last summer.

Woltemade started well at St. James’ Park, netting four times in his open five league outings.

However, the 24-year-old has only added an additional three league goals, with the Magpies boss struggling to bring out the best in the Germany international.

Howe has started Woltemade up front, in the number 10 role, and even in central midfield, giving the 6ft6in hitman the Joelinton treatment in order to try and exploit the summer signing’s qualities.

With the striker struggling, Woltemade was even branded the worst signing in Premier League history.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has also previously hit out at Howe for not playing Woltemade in his best position.

“Lately, and this is just my opinion, judging him alone he’s often played very deep and when he’s defending as a double pivot, it’s quite a long way for Nick to cover,” Nagelsmann said during the March international break.

Howe vs Woltemade

And according to Clinton Forde, he feels that only one of Howe or Woltemade will ‘survive’ this summer.

Speaking on the latest episode of Inside The Toon, Forde said: “I think it’s a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Woltemade in terms of who stays for next season.

“You can’t be taking shots at your manager like that, openly, and saying about your position,” Forde said.

Getty

“Fair enough you can let your national coach say it, but again if you’re going to say it – only one of you is going to survive, that’s what I’m saying.”

Host Olly Clink then posed the question: “Who wins that battle?”

To which Forde replied: “The £70million investment? Or the under-pressure manager, who’s not got the backing of the CEO, doesn’t know about the stance… come on, you see where I’m going with this. I’m reading between the lines here.”

Jack Cunningham, though, doesn’t believe the issue is so black and white, adding: “I don’t think it’s as simple as that but I appreciate Clinton’s point because it has been a problem.

“It seems like he has no idea how to use him and you’re employed as the manager of Newcastle United to get the best out of the Newcastle team.

“If he can’t get the best out of the Newcastle team with Woltemade in it, then that is an issue because he’s gone back to Gordon up front.

Getty

“But equally, he is our record signing. You’ve got to make a proper effort. It’s different to if he’d maybe cost £10-£15m and it’s not working. Okay, fine.

“It’s £69million, I think you’ve got to make an effort.”

“That’s why one of them has to survive. I don’t think both of them can co-exist if it keeps going on like this,” Forde continued.

“Woltemade’s playing in his national team. He’s getting linked with Bayern Munich. Does he want to go back home, or does he want to play in the 9.”

Back in February, talkSPORT reported that Newcastle would be willing to sell Woltemade this summer for the right price.

“You just want to give him a fair shot,” Forde added.

“But if it keeps going on like this where he’s playing central midfield, alongside Bruno and then Joelinton, then what are we doing here?”

Howe about that

Howe is already under pressure to save his Newcastle job owing to a disappointing season.

The Magpies fell to a 2-1 home defeat to rivals Sunderland ahead of the international break, a result that leaves them in 12th, albeit just seven points off fifth place, a position will be enough to secure Champions League football for next season.

Even so, Newcastle’s expected failure to earn a Champions League finish may see a number of star players leave this summer, including Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Woltemade.

The Magpies return to domestic duties this weekend with the trip to Crystal Palace, who eased to a 3-0 home win over Serie A side Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night.

Inside The Toon on talkSPORT

talkSPORT does Newcastle like nowhere else.

Stay ahead of every tactical shift, manager sacking and transfer rumour by making talkSPORT’s Inside The Toon show your weekly go to for all things Magpies related.

Subscribe now to ensure you never miss a beat of the action one episode at a time, sponsored by BetMGM.

Download the app or visit BetMGM.co.uk. 18+gambleaware.org