Newcastle United are finally set to sign Sven Botman from Lille.
This prolonged transfer saga is on the brink of a conclusion, after the Magpies confirmed a deal in principle for the defender on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old completed a medical on Tyneside on Monday, and has also agreed a five-year deal with the club.
The transfer is yet to be officially confirmed, with Lille holding off on the announcement until July due to financial reasons.
But there is no reason to panic – Botman will be a Newcastle United player.
However, he would already be a Newcastle United player had he got his own way in January.
Botman wanted Newcastle move at the start of the year
Ahead of the transfer, Botman has spoke to De Telegraaf about the move, and discussed Newcastle’s failed attempt to sign him in January.
“I really wanted to go to Newcastle United in January, because I also heard, and that’s a cliché, I know, that a train like this doesn’t pass by very often. But the clubs couldn’t figure it out,” he said, as quoted by Sport Witness.
“And afterwards this might be better, because I can now experience a lot of preparation and I was able to say goodbye to Lille in a beautiful way. That club deserved it. Staying wasn’t a punishment for me in January either, because I knew there were two great Champions League games against Chelsea coming up. I now have that baggage too.”
His comments align with what Amanda Staveley said earlier in the year. She told the Athletic that Botman was desperate to join the club in January, and that he still was.
Newcastle finally get their man
It may have taken a little longer than hoped, but Botman is going to be a Magpie.
He has been the club’s main defensive target, and the recruitment team have finally got their man. That will delight everyone at St James’ Park, as all of the club’s decision makers were unanimous that they should sign him.
It’s a shame he didn’t arrive in January. He could already be settled into life in the North East and adapted to the Premier League.
However, a move at the start of the year may also have been more difficult.
Newcastle were in a grim position in January. Relegation looked likely, and Eddie Howe needed players who were ready to make an instant impact – particularly in defence.
We don’t know how Botman will cope with the transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. Hopefully it’s seamless, but there are no guarantees.
Dan Burn joined instead and played brilliantly. He was pivotal in our surge up the table and away from danger.
The club are in a much better position now. We are better placed to bed Botman into the team and give him a proper platform for success.
The move didn’t happen in January, but it’s happening now and that’s all that matters.
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