Germany under-21 national team coach Antonio Di Salvo said that the defeat to England in the U21 Euros final had nothing to do with the speculation about the future of top player Nick Woltemade.
“This story was not the reason for the defeat. Nevertheless, it’s sad when ahead of a final a transfer rumour is debated more than the actual game,” Di Salvo told Sports Illustrated Germany in an interview published on Friday.
Two days before the final, media reported that Bayern Munich were interested in signing Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart.
The forward scored six goals throughout the tournament, but didn’t find the target in the final. Germany lost 3-2 to England in extra time.
Di Salvo, however, doesn’t believe that this open debate could have affected the performance of his team.
“Not really.” If anything, then it “preoccupied Nick himself.” The coach said that Woltemade had told him before the game that talks had been going on in the background for some time and that his mind was only on the final.
According to recent media reports, Stuttgart have rejected Bayern’s first offer for the player.
The Bild newspaper said that Stuttgart dismissed the bid shortly after it arrived. It said that Bayern had offered 40 million ($46.7 million) plus 5 million in add-ons.
Stuttgart reportedly want much more for Woltemade, who has a contract until 2028.
Woltemade, 23, helped Stuttgart win the German Cup last season and won his first two senior caps last month.
Bundesliga champions Bayern are looking for reinforcements up front after the exits of Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané and Mathys Tel. They are also without Jamal Musiala for several months due to a fibula and ankle fracture.