Newcastle signs Wirtz-Made; is Liverpool’s £130 million pursuit of Isak nearing its finale?

Written by Han Bing Despite Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s leadership maintaining the £150 million “bottom price” for Isak, the Magpies clearly recognize that this summer is the optimal time to sell the Swedish striker. Forcing Isak to remain without his full dedication serves no purpose. Newcastle has accelerated the signing of Isak’s replacement. On August 28, an agreement was reached among three parties for Stuttgart striker Wirtz-Made to join Newcastle, and by the afternoon of August 29 UK time, Wirtz-Made had even completed his medical. However, English and German media differ slightly on the transfer fee: English sources report €75 million plus €5 million, while German outlets believe it to be €85 million plus €5 million. Regardless, both figures exceed Isak’s original transfer fee of €70 million, making Wirtz-Made Newcastle’s new record signing. His arrival also clears the path for Isak’s departure.

The 23-year-old Wirtz-Made stands 1.98 meters tall and was Bayern Munich’s top summer transfer target two weeks ago. However, Bayern could not meet Stuttgart’s €75 million asking price. Although the player was eager to join Bayern, negotiations completely broke down before the German Super Cup on August 17. After Newcastle lost 2-3 at home to Liverpool on August 25, they initiated talks to bring in Wirtz-Made.

After starting the season with two winless matches, the Magpies realized Isak’s departure was inevitable and prioritized rebuilding their attack swiftly. At that time, Stuttgart’s sporting director Gentner was still emphasizing Wirtz-Made’s stay, but soon the “unsellable” player was heading to the Premier League. The speed of the negotiations was astonishing.

Wirtz-Made joined Werder Bremen’s youth academy at age 8. In the 2019/20 season, he scored 7 goals in 8 appearances for Werder Bremen’s U19 team before being promoted to the senior squad in early 2020. In February 2020, he became Werder Bremen’s youngest Bundesliga player at 17 years and 353 days old. However, he failed to establish himself in Werder Bremen’s first team over four years, which gave Stuttgart the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer last summer after his contract expired.

Last season, he played 33 matches for Stuttgart, recording 17 goals and 3 assists. He scored in all 5 German Cup matches, helping Stuttgart win the trophy. In June, he earned the Golden Boot at the U21 European Championship with 6 goals and 3 assists in 5 games, though Germany narrowly lost to England in extra time of the final.

Despite his towering stature, Wirtz-Made averaged 3.9 dribbles and 2.3 key passes per game in the Bundesliga last season, with a winning aerial duel rate of 78%. Dominating in the air, his technical skills on the ball are refined, earning him the nickname “Wirtz Messi” from Stuttgart fans. Even Bayern’s German goalkeeper Neuer acknowledged that a player with such a nickname must be very skilled. Although Wirtz-Made has the physique of a traditional striker, his style resembles Thomas Müller’s but is even more versatile.

Bayern made three offers, all rejected by Stuttgart. Inter Milan was also deterred by Stuttgart’s high demands, but Newcastle has the financial strength to pay upfront for the German Cup champion. Wirtz-Made, who was once invited to visit Bayern’s club in his youth, had always hoped to join Germany’s top club. After the transfer collapsed, he quickly agreed to join the Premier League. Besides playing Champions League football with Newcastle, he also looks forward to competing with other top strikers in a higher-level league like the Premier League.

Wirtz-Made’s arrival signals the Magpies’ willingness to let Isak leave. After signing Isak’s replacement, Eddie Howe also aims to add a second striker to strengthen the frontline. Yet, what seemed like a dead-end for Isak’s transfer has now taken a turn. English media widely report that hopeful Liverpool will offer a Premier League record £130 million to continue pursuing Isak, aiming to complete the deal before the summer window closes. Although Newcastle has not yet conceded, Isak’s transfer is progressing rapidly. The substantial funds from Isak’s sale could secure two high-quality forwards for Newcastle, making the deal reasonable.

At 2 AM Beijing time on September 2, the Premier League summer transfer window will officially close. For Liverpool and Newcastle, the next three days are a race against time. Whether the Premier League will witness a new record signing this summer depends on Isak’s determination to leave and the efficiency of both clubs. For the Premier League, Isak’s transfer would be the perfect, record-breaking finale to this summer window.