Matthäus warns of costly exit for Woltemade at Juventus

After the 0:3 loss to Lazio Rome, experts in Italy discuss the dismissal of coach Luciano Spalletti at Juventus, while Lothar Matthäus criticises the precarious situation of Nick Woltemade at Juventus Turin. Both questions are in focus: Who will take the helm and which path remains open for the German striker?

Spalletti's Future at Juventus

The 0:3‑defeat to Lazio Rome has reignited the discussion about a possible dismissal of Luciano Spalletti at Juventus. In Turin, speculation now revolves around whether the coach will retain his position after this debacle or whether the management is looking for an alternative.

Woltemade's Failed Season

Nick Woltemade has a disappointing record in the ongoing year 2026: after a weak start at Newcastle United came a failed World Cup participation and now a loan spell at Juventus, where he managed only five appearances and no goals. In the 0:3 loss to Lazio Rome he missed another big chance and had to go down with the rest of the team.

Matthäus Compares with Füllkrug

“The situation with him is similar to what it was with Niclas Füllkrug. He went to England, it didn’t work out, then to Italy, also didn’t – and then? Does he go back to Germany?” Lothar Matthäus asked himself during an appointment with his partner Interwetten. Matthäus recalled that after unsuccessful spells at West Ham United and AC Milan, Füllkrug revived at Werder Bremen and now leads the Bundesliga top‑scorer list with six goals.

Spalletti good: Muani and Woltemade must raise Juventus' level

Financial Hurdles for a Return

Matthäus emphasizes that Woltemade must lower his wage demands: “I don’t know if anyone will now pay him 60 million euros,” he said. In the summer of 2025 Woltemade was still worth 75 million euros, but his high Premier League salaries make both a purchase and another loan difficult.

Possible Options in the Bundesliga

The former record international sees no current need at Bayern Munich, but notes that other Bundesliga clubs could possibly need a striker in the winter. The financial burden, however, remains a central obstacle as long as Woltemade is not willing to reduce his wage demands.

The contrast between Spalletti’s possible departure and Woltemade’s uncertain path back to Germany highlights that Juventus faces major decisions both on sporting and financial fronts. Matthäus’s analysis suggests that a return route is only realistic if both parties – the player and potential clubs – make compromises on the costs.