Atletico Madrid return for unhappy Woltemade after missing out on Newcastle star last summer

Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade is reportedly unhappy at the club, and Atletico Madrid can provide an escape route for him, according to Bild.

The 24-year-old joined the Tynenside club this summer in a £69.5 million move, but he has failed to live up to expectations.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has played Woltemade in midfield and ultimately dropped him for recent games, killing his confidence.

He might be looking for a new stomping ground after just one year, and Atletico are still interested in signing him.

Los Colchoneros reportedly tried to sign him from Stuttgart, but he chose to move to Newcastle rather than Spain.

Atletico Madrid have come knocking again. They are preparing to lose one or more strikers this summer.

Antoine Griezmann is already leaving at the end of the season to finish his playing career in the United States. Alexander Sorloth may follow suit in search of more game time.

Uncertainty clouds the future of talisman Julian Alvarez, who is a target for a host of European giants.

These openings could force Atletico into the market for multiple forwards, and Woltemade is one of the names on their radar.

Simeone could unlock Woltemade’s potential

For all the criticisms of Atletico manager Diego Simeone, he knows how to get the best out of his strikers.

He has moulded some of the world’s best, and could do the same with Woltemade, who is a bit of a head-scratcher given his fascinating profile.

Many people expect him to be a target man who dominates the box, but he does some of his finest work outside of the area.

Simeone could use him as a secondary striker, pairing him with someone willing to graft in the box.

Woltemade may shine if he has the freedom to roam.