Sun Aug 31 14:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information, focusing on the unexpected transfer and the team’s reaction:

**Newcastle United Snaps Up VfB Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade in Surprise Transfer; Teammates Left in the Dark**

**STUTTGART/NEWCASTLE** – In a shocking turn of events, 23-year-old German international Nick Woltemade has completed a move from VfB Stuttgart to Premier League side Newcastle United. The transfer, finalized on Saturday, has left his former teammates surprised and, seemingly, without a proper goodbye. Woltemade was spotted in the stands at St. James’ Park during Newcastle’s 0-0 draw against Leeds.

The move came as a bolt from the blue for Stuttgart, who had previously declared the possibility of a Woltemade transfer to be over. VfB board boss Alexander Wehrle had repeatedly stated that “the file is closed” regarding Woltemade’s departure. Bayern Munich were also interested in the forward, but their offers didn’t meet Stuttgart’s demands.

However, Newcastle United swooped in with an irresistible offer: a reported €85 million plus a possible €5 million in bonuses. This led Stuttgart to accept the offer and allowing Woltemade to leave.

According to VfB Stuttgart left-back Maximilian Mittelstädt, Woltemade departed without informing his teammates. “He hasn’t contacted anyone yet. I haven’t heard anything from him,” Mittelstädt revealed after Stuttgart’s 1-0 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach. “It was very surprising. It was generally surprising that he left the club. As far as I heard in the dressing room, nobody saw this coming. Nobody was informed beforehand, it came as a surprise to everyone.”

Despite the surprise, Mittelstädt wished his former teammate well: “For him personally, it’s certainly a step he can and wanted to take. We wish him all the best. I hope that we can compensate for his departure both athletically and personally.”

Now, Stuttgart’s management, led by Wehrle and sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, face the challenge of filling the void left by Woltemade’s unexpected departure. Reports suggest that French talent Badredine Bouanani (20, from Nice) could be a potential replacement in the works.

The sudden transfer of Woltemade to Newcastle United is a major coup for the Premier League club, but it has also left Stuttgart reeling and questioning the handling of the situation.

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