Bayern Munich’s transfer window frustrations have deepened after VfB Stuttgart rejected a €40 million (£35m/$47m) bid for highly rated forward Nick Woltemade.
Softfootball confirmed that the offer, which included an additional €5 million in performance-based add-ons, fell significantly short of Stuttgart’s €80 million (£69m/$94m) valuation of the 23-year-old.
With Woltemade tied down to a long-term contract until 2028, Stuttgart remain in a strong negotiating position and are under no pressure to sell. Goal reported that the Swabians’ stance has left Bayern scrambling for alternatives as they look to bolster their attack, particularly in light of Musiala’s injury.
The urgency for reinforcements has grown after Musiala sustained a fractured fibula and multiple ligament tears during Bayern’s Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the United States.
The 21-year-old German star is expected to be sidelined for up to five months, ruling him out of the first half of the season. With their creative engine missing, Bayern had hoped to land Woltemade as a versatile attacking option. However, the rejection of their opening bid has prompted a shift in strategy.
Bayern are also believed to be exploring a move for Dutch youngster Xavi Simons. The Bavarian giants see Simons as a potential long-term solution, though securing his signature will require navigating PSG’s complex loan and buyback arrangements.
Softfootball understands that Bayern have now submitted a formal offer of £44.7 million for Liverpool winger Luis Díaz. But Liverpool are standing firm on their €80 million valuation, having made it clear they are not open to negotiations below that figure.
With the Bundesliga season fast approaching, pressure is mounting on Bayern’s board to deliver replacements for their injured stars. But rising asking prices, contract lengths, and competition from other elite clubs are complicating negotiations.
Unless Bayern are willing to significantly raise their bids or pivot to more affordable targets, the record German champions may continue to struggle in the transfer market well into the window.
