VfB Stuttgart chief executive Alexander Wehrle has launched a scathing attack on FC Bayern Munich during the club’s annual general meeting, ridiculing the champions’ transfer offer for Nick Woltemade as little more than “a butter pretzel”.
The Stuttgart CEO used the platform on Sunday to revisit the summer transfer saga involving the Germany international striker. Bayern Munich had entered negotiations for Woltemade before Newcastle United intervened to secure the player’s signature for a fee exceeding €75 million. Wehrle’s dismissive description of Bayern’s bid highlighted the substantial gulf between Stuttgart’s valuation and what the Rekordmeister were prepared to offer.
The “butter pretzel” comment drew an immediate reaction from club members present, prompting Wehrle to aim another barb at the Bundesliga champions regarding May’s DFB-Pokal final. “I have not heard from fans of FC Bayern,” the 50-year-old added, referencing the atmosphere at Berlin’s Olympiastadion during the showpiece occasion. Bayern completed a domestic double with victory in that final, where Harry Kane scored a hat-trick to seal their fourth win over Stuttgart this campaign.
The remarks underline the growing tension between the two clubs despite their contrasting fortunes this season. While Bayern celebrated lifting both the league title and DFB-Pokal, Stuttgart achieved their primary objective of returning to the UEFA Champions League by securing fourth place in the Bundesliga standings.
For Woltemade, the transfer to Newcastle has proven challenging. After a promising start to his Premier League career, the striker has struggled to maintain his initial impact in England. However, reports suggesting a loan move away from St James’ Park for the upcoming campaign have been dismissed by The Athletic, indicating the forward is expected to remain on Tyneside.
Wehrle’s outspoken criticism suggests Stuttgart are increasingly willing to challenge Bayern’s dominance both on and off the pitch. Having lost the striker to English football, the club will need to strengthen their squad significantly ahead of their Champions League return, with Wehrle making clear that Stuttgart will not accept low offers for their players.