Newcastle United have finally had a bid accepted by Lille for Sven Botman.
After months of speculation, bids, competition, claims, innuendo and everything in between, it looks like Eddie Howe is finally getting his man.
According to Sky Sports, the Magpies’ offer of £35million has been accepted by the Ligue 1 side. Reporter Keith Downie has added on Twitter that the deal could eventually be worth £39million with add-ons.
It’s a huge moment for Newcastle, who have been chasing Botman since January.
Sven Botman rumours first started in December
This transfer saga first kicked off in December 2021. The Athletic were first to report Newcastle’s interest in the Dutchman, naming him as a ‘priority target’.
They added that a fee in the region of £40million would be sufficient, but that didn’t prove to be the case initially.
The Magpies made multiple attempts to sign Botman in January, but were ultimately told that he would cost £46million. Newcastle said no and turned their attentions elsewhere.
Once the window closed, Amanda Staveley confirmed that Botman was ‘desperate‘ to join the club. However, it looked like a deal had passed us by as talk of a move to AC Milan intensified.
But Newcastle re-entered the conversation in May, and prepared for battle with the champions of Italy.
And after weeks of talk in the media, it’s the Magpies who are going to win this transfer race.
Medical set for next week after Lille accept Newcastle bid
The defender will reportedly head to the North East next week for a medical and to finalise his contract details. The Athletic state that personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
That is fantastic news, and shows that the talk of ‘Botman only wants Milan‘ was nonsense. He may have preferred a move to the Serie A winners, but reports in England always stated that he was open to joining the Magpies.
And with Milan unable to match Newcastle financially, he seems all set to make St James’ Park his new home.
It will be an excellent signing for Newcastle, as this prolonged transfer saga finally seems set to reach its conclusion.
Thankfully it’s a happy ending as Botman prepares to travel to Tyneside.
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