Juventus may send Nick Woltemade back to Newcastle United in January 2027, as they are already doubt his abilities.

According to reports, the Bianconeri have started lining up alternatives for next summer, just over a month after his arrival.

The German striker joined the Serie A giant on loan this summer, with no obligation to make the deal permanent.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the striker’s viral miss for Germany against Serbia has only deepened concerns in Turin. 

The striker sent the ball over from two yards out with the goal gaping, sparking a wave of criticism in the German press.

Luciano Spalletti, who seems unconvinced by his ability, hoped Jürgen Klopp’s new Germany set-up would rejuvenate him, but that hasn’t happened, as he has played little and yet to score.

Woltemade, who joined the Tyneside club from Stuttgart two summers ago, sees himself as more of a second striker than an out-and-out No. 9.

He doesn’t seem to know how to utilize his height. The 1.98m tall striker has admitted aerial duels aren’t his strength. 

This has prompted Juventus, who already have plenty of players who can operate behind the striker, to start looking for an alternative ahead of next summer. 

If they couldn’t cancel his contract in January, the loan is expected to end in June as initially planned.

Reports in Italy say Giovanni Carnevali has identified three options for the club. They include Mateo Retegui, the former Atalanta striker now at Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia; Monaco’s ex-Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun;; and Antonio Raimondo, on loan at Frosinone from Bologna, who has four league goals this season.

Waltemade has played four games for the Turin club, scoring just once, in an Europa League clash.

The 24-year-old scored 12 goals and assisted 5 in 54 games last season.