Cash-rich Newcastle United have made the signing of Lille defender Sven Botman a priority in the January transfer window.
The Magpies are embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting 19th in the Premier League standings after just one victory in their first 16 games of the 2021-22 season. They are in dire need of reinforcements and will likely try adding some quality players to their squad in the upcoming transfer window.
According to The Guardian, Newcastle United have set their sights on Lille’s Sven Botman to strengthen their otherwise leaky backline.
Lille are adamant about keeping hold of their prized asset till the end of the season but an eye-catching offer could tempt the Ligue 1 club into selling the Dutch defender, with the report stating an offer of around £40 million would be enough.
Botman, 21, joined Lille as a replacement for Gabriel Magalhaes last season and made 37 appearances in his debut campaign, as Les Dogues won the Ligue 1 title. The Dutchman’s fine performances during his time so far in France have caught the eye of various clubs across Europe, with Newcastle United the latest entrant.
Sven Botman to Newcastle United – The solidity they need?
Newcastle United’s defensive frailties again came to light over the weekend, as they suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Eddie Howe’s side now have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, 34 from 16 games, and are currently lacking confidence and energy.
Newcastle United have made Lille defender Sven Botman (21) a priority January transfer window target, according to @FabrizioRomano.https://t.co/qvVvL9KsMZ
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) December 14, 2021
Thus, the winter transfer window will just about come at the right time for the Magpies. It will give Eddie Howe and the wealthy owners a great opportunity to boost their squad as per their liking for the challenging second half of the campaign. It’s not a surprise to see Howe’s priority is to acquire a quality centre-back capable of tightening up a porous defence.
In that regard, Sven Botman fits the bill perfectly at St James’ Park. Tall, powerful and imposing with great ball-playing ability, Botman has the qualities to make an instant impact for Newcastle.
The 21-year-old is strong enough to hold his own in the Premier League and arrive as a game-changing signing for Howe. The Dutchman has proven himself in Ligue 1 and has a bright future ahead of him.
At 21, the ex-Ajax man is young and would represent a long-term investment. Apart from being technically sound and physically robust, Botman being a left-footed centre-back would give balance to Howe’s side. He would be a straight upgrade over the error-prone Ciaran Clark and ideally the right partner for Jamaal Lascelles.
All in all, taking a dip in the mid-season trading period and buying one of the hottest young defensive talents in Botman would be a big statement of intent from Newcastle.
