Journalist suggests Sven Botman could initially struggle at Newcastle

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Sven Botman might initially struggle in the Premier League if he joins Newcastle.

That’s the view of French football expert Julien Laurens, who has spoke about the Magpies’ pursuit of the Dutchman on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast.

Eddie Howe’s side are still trying to bring Botman to St James’ Park, having failed to land him in January.

Lille priced Newcastle out of the defender they wanted at the start of the year, and there’s a risk they could do the same now.

Newcastle had agreed £30m fee with Lille

The Magpies had agreed to pay Lille £30million for the 22-year-old, but now they reportedly want £36million. This has angered the Toon owners, who could walk away from the deal.

That would be a real shame, as Botman is an excellent player who the club have chased for months. He was our top target in January, and he’s the defender Howe wants this summer.

There’ll be joy on Tyneside if Newcastle get their man, but Laurens has some reservations.

Laurens worried Botman could struggle to adapt

The journalist was asked about Botman on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, and waxed lyrical about the defender’s talents.

Laurens praised his passing ability and reading of the game, but admitted there is one area of concern if he does move to the Premier League.

“The only thing I would say is on the turn,” Laurens said.

“If the ball goes above him and he has to turn and chase the ball down, especially if Eddie Howe plays a high defensive line, he’d have to work on that because if you give a yard to Haaland, you never catch him. If you give a yard to Nunez or others, you don’t catch them in the Premier League.

“So he’ll need to adapt to that a little bit, but a really talented kid.”

Newcastle surely aware of Botman concerns

Laurens is hardly suggesting that Botman isn’t suited to the Premier League. He’s simply stating that there will be an adaptation period for the Dutch ace.

But given how long Newcastle have chased him and how meticulous Howe is, the Magpies mustn’t be concerned about Botman’s pace.

We’re a much better run club now, so it would be strange for us to spend so long trying to sign a player who isn’t fit for purpose.

Hopefully Newcastle can reach an agreement with Lille and bring in Botman. He might struggle initially with the speed of the Premier League, but he has all the attributes to be a star in the top flight of English football.