Nick Woltemade summer plans confirmed as Newcastle United teammate joins him
Newcastle United pair Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade are going to the World Cup.
Newcastle United duo Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade have been named in Germany’s World Cup squad.
Thiaw hadn’t been called up by Germany for two years when he joined the Magpies from AC Milan for £35million last summer, but has now been included in the last three squads.
The 24-year-old has been one of United’s most consistent performers this campaign, topping the individual appearance charts with 53 matches played.
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Woltemade, meanwhile, arrived for a club-record £64million from Stuttgart last summer and marked his 50th appearance with a goal in last Sunday’s 3-1 win at home to West Ham United.
It was Woltemade’s first goal at St James’ Park since December and his first in total since February, having endured a dip in form around the festive period before being moved into midfield by head coach Eddie Howe.
But despite his struggles on Tyneside, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has consistently stuck by the 6ft6in striker.
Newcastle United pair named in Germany World Cup squad
Woltemade and Thiaw are likely to start Newcastle’s final Premier League match of the season away to Fulham on Sunday before looking forward to their first major tournament.
“When speaking with the players over the past days, I’ve felt just how excited each and every one of them is for this World Cup,” said Nagelsmann. “Everyone is eager to finally begin preparations for it over the coming weeks.
“We have a strong squad, one which I have full confidence in. With the support of our fans, we want to put in a strong showing at this World Cup.”
Germany face two World Cup warm-up games against Finland on Saturday, May 31 at the Mewa Arena in Mainz and the USA at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, June 6.
Nagelsmann’s side then open their World Cup campaign against debutants Curaçao at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, June 14 before travelling to Toronto to face the Ivory Coast at BMO Field on Saturday, June 20.
They round off the group stage with a clash with Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday, June 25.
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