Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles has shared an update about Sven Botman amid strong links to Newcastle United.
The Magpies have apparently identified the Dutch defender as their top defensive target this month, and while they’re trying incredibly hard to bring him to St James’ Park. They’re struggling to get a deal done.
Indeed, Lille aren’t keen to sell, and the player himself isn’t overly sold on the move, with Castles claiming that Botman wants to join a bigger club and that his agent is pushing hard to get his client the move he desires.
What’s been said about Botman?
Castles shared what he knows about Botman’s situation.
“They’re focused on their first-choice. They’re looking at alternatives, but they’re still focused on Sven Botman at Lille. That would be an intelligent bit of recruitment if they can make it happen. Botman is super talented and is destined to go to the top-level of the European game and should, because of his physical characteristics, adapt well to Premier League football,” Castles said.
“Botman’s preference is to move to a bigger club. His agent is pushing hard to see if a higher-status club will make an offer. Newcastle have already made one offer which was rejected, and they say they’re ready to make an improved offer of at least €35m (£29m) for the player.”
Forget him this month
If Botman isn’t sold on the Newcastle project, then perhaps they should forget about bringing him in this month.
Now, that’s not to say they should completely write off the possibility of signing him in the summer, but in a relegation fight, you need players to put in maximum effort every single time they step onto the pitch.
If Botman doesn’t want to be at Newcastle, he could cost them, and while he may be worth the risk next season when the threat of relegation isn’t as severe, signing him this month sounds like something of a gamble.
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