Hamann Questions Nick Woltemade’s Decision to Join Juventus

Germany legend Dietmar Hamann believes Nick Woltemade may have made the wrong decision by leaving Newcastle United to join Juventus on loan.

Woltemade completed a deadline-day move to Juventus from Newcastle on loan, bringing an abrupt end to his short spell on Tyneside. The 24-year-old had also been linked with a possible return to Germany, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly among the clubs interested in his services.

Hamann, however, believes Dortmund would have been a more suitable destination for the striker. Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday evening, as reported by Vivagoal, the former Liverpool midfielder admitted that he was surprised by Woltemade’s decision to move to Turin.

“I was surprised when I read it. I think he would have fitted in well at Dortmund,” Hamann said.

While acknowledging Juventus’ stature and the quality within their squad, Hamann questioned whether the move represents the best sporting choice for Woltemade, particularly given that the Italian giants will not compete in the Champions League this season.

“In Italy, Milan have been the team talked about the most in recent years. Juventus are not playing in the Champions League. However, in terms of quality, they are still a good team,” he added.

For Hamann, the lack of Champions League football makes the decision even more difficult to understand. He believes Woltemade had better options available, either by remaining in England or moving to Dortmund if he wanted to return to Germany.

“I would have stayed at Newcastle. I would have preferred to see him move to Borussia Dortmund. I don’t really like this move,” Hamann insisted.

Woltemade’s transfer to Juventus also means another period of adaptation for a player who has only recently established himself in a new environment. He joined Newcastle in the summer of 2026 after a breakthrough period with VfB Stuttgart, where his performances helped attract interest from several major European clubs.

His time at Newcastle was relatively brief, making the decision to leave on loan particularly noteworthy. Juventus now represent another opportunity for Woltemade to prove himself at a major European club, while also attempting to take the next step in his development.

For Hamann, however, the move raises questions over whether Juventus is the right environment for the young forward at this stage of his career. Only time will determine whether Woltemade can prove his former compatriot wrong in Turin.