Lille centre-back Sven Botman has emerged as a priority transfer target for Newcastle United, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The Netherland’s U21 international is a highly regarded defender who broke out at the French side during their run to their first league title in a decade.
With Lille likely to qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds, Botman’s contract expiring in 2025 and other clubs interested in a possible summer deal, Ligue 1’s champions will need an ‘exceptional offer’ to persuade them to part from their young star next month. On the flip side, Newcastle will be able to press on by taking advantage of France’s disastrous financial crisis.
It is thought Eddie Howe, who will have a heavy role in transfer recruitment in January, has approved of the potential signing that may cost as much as £40 million.
Sven Botman Reported as Newcastle United Transfer Target
A Future Star
This season has been a mixed showing for Lille. After coming off a memorable league triumph, Ligue 1’s champions have barely shown any resistance to defending their crown.
They sit 11th in the table, on minus goal difference, four points off Europe and 18 points away from runaway league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Their league form contrasts to their continental as they only require a draw against Wolfsburg to confirm progress to the next round in Europe.
At the heart of Lille’s trajectory is 21-year-old Sven Botman. He transferred from Ajax’s fringes to Lille’s first team in 2020 and immediately made an impression. Despite his inexperience, he was entrusted by Lille manager Christophe Galtier and he made 37 appearances in the league last year. His importance has continued by Botman making 10 of a possible 16 appearances in the league.
The Dutchman’s strength, speed, vision, calmness and aerial superiority are all touted as his biggest merits. Crucially, he is a left-footed ball-playing defender, therefore providing an abundance of pleasure for managers wishing to enforce quality passing from the back.
Given his qualities, there is little wonder why Howe is believed to have approved the target. Botman’s progress grows as his experience grows. Acquiring a potential future star will be a huge asset to Newcastle’s new owners as they look to build a new squad.
Lille’s Financial Crisis
As The Athletic’s report suggests, a big offer could make Lille’s head turn now. The Covid-19 impact has had a devastating impact on French clubs not named PSG.
On their path to the league title, the French side was plagued by boardroom chaos and a calamitous loss of revenue. The decision to cancel the 2019/20 season caused broadcasting deals to be rebated. Fans, at the time, were still exiled from stadiums. To make matters worse, the league’s broadcasting deal collapsed before their eyes. In early 2021, it was announced Lille had recorded a debt of €125 million.
Lille’s finances would not have improved since and it is likely this will be a backdrop to any future deal they may make. The matter to question will be whether their hand will be pushed in January, or they can wait till the summer to see where the market takes them – particularly considering Sven Botman’s stock and qualities.
It will be up to Newcastle’s ownership to convince them to choose the former, rather than the latter.
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