Everton Eye “Sensational” Nick Woltemade as an Alternative to Liam Delap in £42m Striker Pursuit

Everton’s search for a dynamic new striker this summer could take an intriguing turn, with the club reportedly turning their attention to VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade after missing out on Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future still uncertain, manager David Moyes and the club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, are determined to bolster the attacking line and propel the Toffees back into the Premier League’s upper echelons.

Moyes’ Ambition and Everton’s Transfer Plans

Since returning to Everton, David Moyes has wasted no time in making it clear that the club means business again. Supported by fresh investment from The Friedkin Group, Moyes is seeking to rebuild a squad capable of competing for European football spots and laying the foundations for sustained success. Striker recruitment is a top priority as the team looks to address goal-scoring issues that plagued their recent campaigns.

Liam Delap was previously regarded as a prime target — a young English striker known for his physicality and finishing — but Everton’s hopes were dealt a blow after Delap chose to sign for Chelsea instead. This setback has led Moyes and the club’s recruitment team to look elsewhere for a potent forward capable of leading the line.

Enter Nick Woltemade: Everton’s Alternative Target

Emerging reports from German outlet BILD have confirmed Everton’s interest in Nick Woltemade, a 23-year-old striker currently plying his trade at Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart. Woltemade has been a key figure in Stuttgart’s squad, contributing crucial goals throughout their successful DFB-Pokal campaign. His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting attention from several European clubs, including Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, making the race to sign him highly competitive.

Stuttgart is reportedly hoping to keep Woltemade by offering a new contract, but the club has also indicated a valuation around €50 million (£42 million), reflecting his rising stock. For Everton, investing in a player of Woltemade’s calibre is a major step, but one that could transform their frontline and elevate their attacking threat substantially.

Why Woltemade Could Be a Perfect Fit for Everton

Beyond his impressive goal tally, Woltemade boasts a unique blend of attributes that align with Everton’s needs. At 6 foot 6 inches tall, he presents a towering physical presence upfront, but his game isn’t just about brute strength. Detailed statistical analysis from data site FBref reveals that Woltemade is a highly complete forward, offering a mix of clinical finishing, creative playmaking, and technical skill.

Notably, FBref ranks Woltemade among the top 3% of center-forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions over the past year. He also ranks highly for passes attempted and successful take-ons, demonstrating his ability to contribute beyond just scoring. This versatility and technical proficiency suggest he can link up play effectively, create chances, and dribble past defenders — all crucial qualities for a modern striker.

The Isak Comparison: A Template for Success

Woltemade’s style has drawn comparisons to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has become renowned for being a “complete striker” — combining physicality, speed, technique, and finishing prowess. Isak’s season with Newcastle has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 23 goals and assisting 6 in 34 league appearances while dazzling fans with his agility and flair.

Though operating at a higher competitive level, Isak provides a blueprint of what Woltemade could achieve given the right environment and support. Everton’s offer of regular playing time, along with Moyes’ proven track record of improving strikers, could give Woltemade the platform to replicate or even surpass this kind of success in the Premier League.

Woltemade’s 2024/25 Season: Impressive Stats and Impact

Looking at Woltemade’s 2024/25 campaign, he scored 17 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions, including vital goals during Stuttgart’s run to DFB-Pokal glory. This goal return outstrips that of Liam Delap, who scored 12 in 37 matches in the Premier League.

In addition to goals, Woltemade’s all-around contributions are noteworthy. He’s among the elite in key areas such as:

• Shot-creating actions: Top 3% in Europe’s top leagues
• Passes attempted: Top 11%
• Progressive passes: Top 13%
• Successful take-ons: Top 4%

These figures highlight his ability to influence the game beyond scoring — making him a potential game-changer for Everton’s attacking play.

Tackling the Competition and Transfer Challenges

Of course, signing Woltemade will not be straightforward. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are also in pursuit, and Stuttgart is expected to demand a substantial fee, reflecting Woltemade’s potential and recent form. The competition among top European clubs means Everton will need to present a compelling case — both financially and in terms of project ambition — to secure his signature.

Moyes and the Friedkin Group will have to convince Woltemade that Everton offers the ideal pathway to reach his personal and professional goals. The Premier League’s global visibility, combined with Everton’s storied history and Moyes’ ability to nurture attacking talent, could be key selling points.

What Signing Woltemade Would Mean for Everton

Bringing in a striker like Woltemade could revolutionize Everton’s attacking options. His rare combination of size, technical skill, and creativity would give the team a distinctive focal point in attack, capable of both scoring and facilitating play. Given the club’s ongoing struggles in front of goal and the uncertainty around Calvert-Lewin’s future, this kind of signing could mark a turning point.

Furthermore, Woltemade’s style suits Moyes’ preferred system, which relies on clinical finishing, clever movement, and quick interplay between midfield and forwards. Adding him to the squad could also provide healthy competition and reduce Everton’s reliance on any single striker.

Final Thoughts: A Sensational Signing in the Making?

In conclusion, while the departure of Liam Delap to Chelsea was a blow to Everton’s summer transfer plans, Nick Woltemade represents an exciting alternative — a player with the potential to become the club’s own “Isak” in terms of impact and playing style. For a reported fee in the region of £42 million, Everton could secure a “sensational” striker capable of elevating the team’s attacking threat and helping Moyes’ side push towards the upper reaches of the Premier League.

The coming weeks will be crucial, as negotiations unfold and Everton look to put together a deal that could define their transfer window. If successful, Woltemade’s signing could be the statement move announcing Everton’s return to ambition and competitiveness in the top flight.