Bayern Munich have been left frustrated after VfB Stuttgart have rejected another mega bid for their striker Nick Woltemade.
The German champions have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old striker, who made it clear to Stuttgart that he wants to join Bayern this summer.
Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has now made it clear that Woltemade will play a central role for the club in 2025-26, despite the ongoing link with Bayern.
Stuttgart reject another bid from Bayern for Woltemade
Back in July, Bayern submitted their first bid €40m [£34.6m] bid (plus €5m in add-ons) for Woltemade, but it was nowhere near the club’s valuation.
The Bundesliga giants turned their attention towards signing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, but they never lost sight of Woltemade.
Ahead of Bayern’s SuperCup clash against Stuttgart, the German giants came up with an improved offer, but it was still rejected.
According to a report from Bild, Bayern and Stuttgart bosses discussed the possibility of a deal on Wednesday through a video call.
From Bayern’s side, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen (57), Sports Director Max Eberl (51) and Sports Director Christoph Freund (48) were present, while Stuttgart were represented by CEO Alexander Wehrle (50), Sports Director Fabian Wohlgemuth (46) and Sports Director Christian Gentner (39).
During the meeting, Bayern proposed an offer of €60m [£51.7m], where Woltemade would forgo his salary to finance his move to Munich. However, Stuttgart are refusing to accept any offer below €75m [£64.6m].
Woltemade’s agent lashes out at Stuttgart treatment
Danny Bachmann, Woltemade’s agent, said: “In March 2024 and most recently in mid-June, VfB made a clear commitment to a solution-oriented approach as soon as the next career step is possible.
“Such a move now exists in the fast-paced world of football, becoming the German record champion and a permanent Champions League participant. For an ambitious German international, this is an enormous opportunity.
“The solution demanded by Mr. Wehrle this week within a questionable deadline was delivered today with the total package from the interested party and the player’s side totaling more than 60 million euros plus a resale fee.
“The supervisory board’s response regarding a demand of €75 million, which is outside the market, for a player who came on a free transfer but with a lower mid-range salary classification is not only completely unfounded – especially for a domestic transfer – but is in blatant contradiction to the aforementioned agreements.”
Bayern unlikely to pay the amount for Woltemade
Woltemade scored 17 goals last season, and he has a remarkably creative presence in the Stuttgart side.
It looks like Bayern will not pay an unreasonable amount for Woltemade, which means they could look for options elsewhere.
Stuttgart are under no pressure to sell Woltemade. Bayern could reignite interest in Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku, who is deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Follow us on Instagram for more content straight to your mobile phone!
Deeper into FC Bayern → The Bayern Insider: Alexander Isak to Liverpool just got easier
