Lille had no interest in accepting a bid Premier League giants Newcastle United for star centre-back Sven Botman in the January transfer window, president Olivier Letang tells Canal Plus.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions wanted over £40 million for Botman. Such a fee would have made the Dutch international the most expensive acquisition in Newcastle’s 129-year history.
Botman, however, may have been worth every single penny. Especially when you consider that, as far as Newcastle are concerned, top-flight survival is priceless.
One of the most talented centre-halves in European football, the former Ajax youngster would not only have represented a massive upgrade on the current defensive options at Newcastle’s disposal, he could also have helped transform the club’s style of play.
A superb passer of the ball, the left-footed Botman would have freed up Eddie Howe t introduce a more progressive, possession-based approach.
Furthermore, his speed across the ground may also have paved the way for Newcastle to push higher up the pitch, safe in the knowledge that Botman’s acceleration would reduce the risks associated with a more proactive approach to defending.
Will Sven Botman still end up at Newcastle?
“Newcastle were interested in Sven Botman,” Letang explains, translated by Foot-Sur7.
“There was no offer of 50 million euros (£42 million). Because I closed the door to a departure right away.”
While Letang ‘closed the door’ to Botman in January, it seems he is willing to open it again when the season comes to an end.
The former PSG chief has already admitted that he’ll ‘discuss’ selling the 22-year-old in the summer window amid interest, not only from Newcastle, but also from AC Milan and Antonio Conte’s inconsistent Tottenham Hotspur side.
“Sometimes, opportunities come along that you have to take,” Botman said a few weeks ago. “I have the feeling that I am ready for a new step. Hopefully in the summer.
“Yes, (Newcastle and Milan’s interest) was very concrete. My preference? Both clubs have positive points.
“Everyone says about Newcastle; ‘It’s about the money!’. But it’s a very nice project, if you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain started.
“I think it would be very nice to be part of that.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
