Sven Botman’s agent suggests that a move to Premier League outfit Newcastle United could still happen in the summer transfer window, speaking to Voetbal International about the Ligue 1 champion.
It’s been quite the two years for Botman.
In February 2020, the Dutch international was honing his talents on loan at mid-table Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. Flash forward to 2022 and Botman is one of the most coveted young defenders on the planet these days, an established Dutch international with a Ligue 1 winners’ medal hanging around his neck.
His price-tag, meanwhile, has soared from £8 million to £35 million.
Newcastle submitted a series of bids for Botman in the January window, failing with a final, take-it-or-leave it offer of £33 million deadline-day (Calciomercato).
But, assuming the Magpies return for their top defensive target at the end of the current campaign, the former Ajax starlet won’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
Is Sven Botman still going to sign for Newcastle United?
“Lille said from the start that they didn’t want to sell unless there was an offer so high that they couldn’t refuse it,” explains Botman’s agent, Nikkie Bruinenberg
“The great thing about Sven is, he is a boy who makes his own choices and charts his own path. After his year at SC Heerenveen, he could have grabbed his chance at Ajax. He had just extended (his contract) there.
“Instead, he decided to go for the adventure at Lille.
“With today’s knowledge, that sounds very logical. But you have to dare it as a young player. That way of thinking will continue to guide him in the future.
“He is ready for a step higher. Towards the summer, AC Milan and Newcastle United are very nice clubs.”
Will Newcastle survive?
Newcastle snapped up Dan Burn after missing out on Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile. It remains to be seen whether the Blythe-born giant is enough to keep the second-most porous defence in the Premier League clear of the dreaded drop zone.
A summer swoop for Botman, you’d think, depends on whether Newcastle can avoid dropping down into the Championship.
Earlier this week, the 22-year-old admitted that Eddie Howe’s side had shown ‘concrete interest’ in securing his services. Botman added that he’s intrigued by the prospect of playing a part in one of European football’s most ambitious projects.
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