"I’m curious about Woltemade": Gianluigi Buffon is particularly eager to see one thing about Juventus’ new signing
Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon (48) is looking forward to Nick Woltemade (24). The Bianconeri’s long-serving goalkeeper said so ahead of the possible debut of the Newcastle United new signing on Sunday evening in the Serie A blockbuster against Milan (8.45pm).
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon said: "I am curious about Woltemade. I want to see whether his physique, his 198 centimetres, combined with outstanding technique, will be as dominant as I expect."
Buffon says Woltemade reminds him of the young Zlatan Ibrahimovic, much as former Italy-based player Karl-Heinz Riedle (60) did before him. He played alongside the former Sweden star for two years at the Old Lady. Asked whether Woltemade could have a similar impact to Ibrahimovic, Buffon replied: "I would say yes. Woltemade can be a real asset."
Gianluca Zambrotta (48), Buffon's fellow World Cup winner from 2006, is far less convinced about Woltemade and Juve's strikeforce as a whole. He recently told Gazzetta: "(Randal) Kolo Muani and Woltemade have scored a total of five goals in 2026. We are not talking about just any team here, but Juventus."
As a decision-maker at the Bianconeri, the former defender would have preferred a different striker leading the line instead of the two former Bundesliga forwards: "Juventus' squad is well stocked in terms of personnel, but I would have done everything to keep Vlahovic." However, the Serb joined Besiktas in the Süper Lig on a free transfer after his contract expired following protracted negotiations.
Sunday evening brings the headline fixture as Juve, without Vlahovic (26) but presumably with Woltemade and Kolo Muani (27), take on Milan. Both giants have won their opening two matches after botched previous seasons.
Milan may have "the enthusiasm of the new" under new coach Ruben Amorim (41), and they may be riding "a wave of excitement", but Buffon still sees Juve as favourites: "When there are so many changes, it takes time for the right balance to be found. Juventus have the advantage that (head coach Luciano) Spalletti has already been there for nine months."
How long does Nick Woltemade's contract at Newcastle United still have to run?
Spalletti (67) and the management had also done an "exceptionally good" job in the transfer market because of the Woltemade signing.
At the start of this week, Woltemade moved to Turin on loan, one year after his €75 million switch from VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle United and a mixed first season in the Premier League. Italy's record champions are paying a fee of just under €5 million, and there is no option or obligation to buy. Woltemade's contract at Newcastle runs until 2031.
