Barcelona chose Gabriel Jesus as preferred striker signing over Nick Woltemade

Barcelona rejected the chance to sign Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade before completing a deal for Gabriel Jesus, according to a report by Managing Barca, citing journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Catalan club were offered Woltemade as an alternative to Jesus, but decided that the Brazilian was better suited to Hansi Flick’s team. Barcelona therefore opted to pursue Jesus rather than the Germany international, who had been put forward as another possible attacking option.

Jesus has since joined Barcelona in a deal worth €10m, excluding bonuses. The 29-year-old forward has signed a contract with the La Liga club that runs until the middle of 2029.

Woltemade, meanwhile, eventually moved to Juventus on loan. The agreement does not give the Turin club an option to buy him permanently.

The report presents Barcelona’s decision as a choice between two forwards with Premier League links. Jesus was selected after the club assessed his suitability for Flick’s side, while Woltemade was ultimately offered to Barcelona instead.

Although Woltemade had been identified as a possible alternative, Barcelona’s preference was clear once the club concluded that Jesus fitted the team more closely. That decision led to the agreement for the former Brazil forward, with the transfer fee set at €10m before any additional bonuses are taken into account.

Jesus’s long-term commitment to Barcelona is reflected in the length of his contract, which extends through to mid-2029. Woltemade’s move to Juventus has instead been structured as a temporary arrangement, with no clause allowing the Italian club to make the transfer permanent.

The contrasting outcomes complete the chain of events described in the report: Woltemade was presented to Barcelona as another option, the Catalan club chose Jesus because of his perceived suitability to Hansi Flick’s plans, and the Newcastle United forward then joined Juventus on loan.

Barcelona’s decision also meant that the club’s preferred target became the player secured in the final agreement. Jesus is now the forward whose transfer brought a €10m fee, while Woltemade’s move to Juventus does not include a permanent purchase option.