Newcastle learn Woltemade has been compared to Zlatan - by a football legend

Updated: 6 Sept 2026 14:07 BST | 4 min read

Nick Woltemade and Zlatan Ibrahimovic — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon believes Nick Woltemade can make a similar impact to Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Serie A giants Juventus.

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Woltemade, 24, is looking to reignite his career in Turin after joining the Italian heavyweights on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.

The Germany international endured a difficult first season with Newcastle, recording 11 goals and six assists in 51 appearances last term.

However, Buffon - who represented Juventus for a staggering 19 seasons, winning 22 honours - is backing Woltemade to sparkle at his old club.

In quotes carried by Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon said: “Woltemade intrigues me. I want to see if his physicality—his 198-centimetre frame combined with excellent technique—will allow him to be as dominant as I expect.”

And when asked if Woltemade can channel Ibrahimovic when looking to find his feet in Italy, Buffon added: “I’d certainly say so. Woltemade could be a real asset in the Italian league as it stands today.”

Buffon and Zlatan were team-mates at Juventus

Buffon and Ibrahimovic played together at Juventus between 2004 and 2006 after the latter moved to Italy from Dutch heavyweights Ajax.

Like Woltemade, who stands at 6ft 6in tall, Ibrahimovic belied his tall frame (6ft 5in) by acting as a complete forward for Juventus.

Ibrahimovic, who is one inch shorter (6ft 5in) than Woltemade, registered 26 goals and 21 assists in 92 appearances for the Bianconeri.

Woltemade could make his eagerly-anticipated Juventus debut in their mouth-watering home clash against AC Milan on Sunday.

Both sides won their opening two Serie A fixtures this season as managers Luciano Spalletti and Ruben Amorim prepare to go head-to-head.

Newcastle have made unbeaten start without Woltemade

Newcastle meanwhile have also made an unbeaten start to the 2026-27 season under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.

The Magpies have picked up five points from their opening three Premier League fixtures, coming from behind to share the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday.

Bend it like Barnes. 💫 pic.twitter.com/AWEHv2qARy
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 5, 2026

Newcastle have also moved into the third round of the Carabao Cup after beating Championship side West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at St. James Park in August.