Report: Bayern Munich eye breakthrough in Stuttgart talks over signing Nick Woltemade

The 23-year-old German striker, who shone with 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, has emerged as a top target for the Bavarian giants.

According to Abendzeitung, Bayern are optimistic about striking a deal, with club bosses hopeful of arranging a face-to-face meeting with Stuttgart's executives during their six-day training camp in Tegernsee, starting July 28. "We'll try to find a solution, and if we couldn't, then it's a pity," Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl has said, expressing frustration over public leaks complicating talks.

Stuttgart, however, have held firm, rejecting Bayern's latest offer of 50 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause.

The Swabians value Woltemade, whose contract runs until 2028, at a minimum of 65 million euros. "It's the absolute most likely scenario that Nick will wear our colours in 2025/26," Stuttgart's sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth has said, underlining their reluctance to sell.

Tensions have surfaced within Stuttgart's 12-member supervisory board, with some members urging the club to consider Bayern's substantial offer, which surpasses their record sale of Benjamin Pavard for 35 million euros in 2019.

The situation is further complicated by Woltemade's clear desire to join Bayern, having rejected approaches from Chelsea and Napoli to focus solely on a move to Munich.

Adding intrigue, Bayern's honorary president Uli Hoeness, who lives near Tegernsee, could play a pivotal role in smoothing negotiations, given the clubs' strong relationship. However, recent posts on X from July 21, indicate Bayern have paused talks, informing Woltemade they will not submit a third bid for now, leaving him to return to Stuttgart's training camp.

The transfer saga is far from over, with Bayern's pursuit of Woltemade set to dominate headlines as they balance their interest with a concurrent push for Liverpool's Luis Diaz.

Stuttgart's resolve will be tested, but Woltemade's stellar performances, including a hat-trick at the U21 Euros, make him a prize worth fighting for. Football fans are eagerly watching to see if Bayern can unlock Stuttgart's defenses in this high-stakes transfer battle.