The Bundesliga giants have informed Woltemade they are pausing negotiations with Stuttgart, focusing instead on other transfer targets, according to Bild journalist Julian Agardi. "Bayern have withdrawn from the Woltemade negotiations for the time being. The club is now giving full priority to the Luis Díaz deal," Agardi reported.
The decision comes after Stuttgart rejected Bayern's second offer of 40 million euros plus 5 million euros in add-ons, deeming it insufficient for their prized forward, who is under contract until 2028. Stuttgart's CEO Alexander Wehrle has been resolute, stating, "We're not negotiating with Bayern Munich. Nick Woltemade will be playing football with us next season."
However, Wehrle left a sliver of hope, adding, "If something extraordinary were to happen, we are all professional enough to sit down at the table."
Woltemade, who netted 12 Bundesliga goals and five in the DFB Cup during a breakout 2024/25 season, remains keen on a move to Bayern. The versatile forward, also a standout at the UEFA U21 European Championship with six goals, has already agreed personal terms with Bayern for a contract until 2030, per Sky Deutschland.
Despite interest from Chelsea and Napoli, Woltemade has made it clear his heart is set on Munich, informing Stuttgart of his desire to join the Bavarians.
For now, Woltemade is expected to rejoin Stuttgart for their pre-season training camp in Tegernsee, Bavaria, on July 28. However, tensions may linger.
Reports from Bild suggest Stuttgart's head coach Sebastian Hoeness is contemplating benching Woltemade for the upcoming DFL Super Cup clash against Bayern, a move that could signal the club's frustration with the ongoing saga.
Maximilian Koch of Abendzeitung noted Bayern's reluctance to engage further, saying, "Bayern have no intention to submit a third bid for now." With Stuttgart holding firm on a valuation reportedly as high as 80 million euros, the ball is firmly in their court.
As the transfer window heats up, Bayern's shift in focus to Liverpool's Luis Diaz could spell the end of their pursuit of Woltemade, or merely a tactical pause.
For Stuttgart, retaining their star striker would be a major coup, but Woltemade's desire for a Bayern move keeps the door ajar for a dramatic resolution before the window closes.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly gearing up to make a bold move for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha, with the North London club eager to bring the Portuguese midfielder back to the Premier League.
Liverpool are intensifying their efforts to bolster their attacking options, with Lyon's dynamic winger Malick Fofana emerging as a prime target.
Werder Bremen have secured a major coup by agreeing a deal to sign Belgian U21 international Samuel Mbangula from Juventus.
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has pledged his future to Bayer Leverkusen, shutting down speculation about a potential departure as the club prepare for a new era under manager Erik ten Hag.
