Sven Botman’s ambitions are clear – he wants to play in Europe with Newcastle United.
That’s the goal for the 22-year-old, who is the most recent signing to arrive at St James’ Park. He cost £35million from Lille, ending a lengthy transfer saga that began at the start of the year.
The landscape at Newcastle has completely changed over the past 12 months. We’ve gone from not being able to afford Hamza Choudhury to big names arriving and talking about qualifying for Europe.
That’s what Botman wants, and he’s a man with experience of European football. In his first season with Lille he played in the Europa League, then things got even better after winning Ligue 1.
He played in the Champions League last season, reaching the knockout round where his side were beaten by Chelsea.
The defender has had a taste of Europe’s premier competition, and will want to be back there soon. But will that happen in a Newcastle shirt? He certainly hopes so.
Botman wants to play in Europe again soon
The towering centre-back has spoken to the Shields Gazette, and discussed his ambitions for the future with Newcastle.
“I’m here at Newcastle, so I hope in three or four years I’m playing in Europe with Newcastle, and we’re a club who people always believe can finish in the top six,” he said.
“A lot needs to be done by myself and the club, but, with time, we’ll get there.”
Botman has the same ambitions as Bruno
Botman isn’t the only new face at Newcastle who has spoke directly about qualifying for Europe in the coming years. Bruno Guimaraes said the same thing.
The Brazilian recently told the Shields Gazette: “I’m hoping next season we can look at the Europa League and I want to play in the Champions League here, but we’ll take things step by step.”
Bruno is another player who has European experience. Just like Botman, he played in the Champions League and Europa League with his former side Lyon.
Newcastle being able to sign these players is a true sign of the times, and that the Magpies are trying to become a footballing force. However, it will take time.
The new owners have ambitions of taking the club into Europe, and that’s why they’ve signed stars like Botman and Bruno. Getting there is easier said than done though, and there will be pressure on Newcastle to climb the table in the next couple of years.
Challenging for Europe this season would be a real achievement. However, it will not be easy. For now, we need to just focus on making it into the top half, then we can set our sights higher.
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