Lothar Matthaus once revealed that retiring 90.1% star could have played for Newcastle
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Credit: Imago Thu 7 May 2026 16:00, UK Niklas Sule has announced that he will retire from professional football this summer at the age of 30, four years after he supposedly rejected a move to Newcastle United.The defender was leaving Bayern Munich at the time and attracted interest from several clubs in Europe before eventually deciding to sign for Borussia Dortmund. Newcastle signed Dan Burn in the same January window that they were rejected by Sule, with the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes also arriving in the surrounding days.But the German Champions League winner would certainly have been a fan favourite at St James’ Park.Newcastle transfer chiefs missed out, and the defender may well be wondering what could have been, considering how his career has progressed since. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom.
But the defender was keen for a new challenge with his contract expiring, and had previously expressed his desire to play in the Premier League.According to Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus, Newcastle made an offer that, financially, far outweighed the deal he would ultimately sign at Dortmund. He had an offer from Newcastle United, where he would have earned twice as much.“He is looking for a sporting challenge.
In recent years, Sule has often been attacked because of his weight and no one has protected him.”Injuries have been brutal for SuleSule made 41 appearances across all competitions in his first season at Dortmund and was key as they went brutally close to winning the Bundesliga, losing to Bayern on goal difference.The second season saw him make just 31 as he was often left on the bench, including for the Champions League final.Significant injury struck for Sule in the 2024-25 season, and its effects this season have been felt massively. The 30-year-old has made just 12 appearances across all competitions and has had problems with his toe, his back, his hamstring and his knee.Ultimately, Sule has decided to throw in the towel and leave Newcastle fans wondering what if?