It has been three years since Sven Botman completed his move to Newcastle United. We look back at what the Dutchman said in his first interview with the club.
It was a signing that excited the fanbase when it was announced in 2022. Sven Botman is moving to Tyneside a year after helping Lille win Ligue 1, taking the throne from French giants PSG.
Newcastle United got the best out of Botman in the 2022/23 campaign, with the Dutchman making 36 Premier League appearances to help them return to the Champions League after 20 years away.
Botman was also a big part of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup run that season, helping them reach the final at Wembley Stadium before missing out on glory to Manchester United.
The last two seasons have been far from kind for Botman, however, with a nasty ACL injury hampering the number of minutes he has been able to play. There was hope that he was back to 100% upon his return to the starting XI in January, but he then faced another spell on the sidelines with a new knee injury.
Botman returned to the starting XI towards the end of the season, helping Newcastle return to the Champions League on the final day of the season. With June 28 being three years since Botman was announced, we look back at what the towering defender said in his first interview as a Newcastle player.
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Newcastle United told Sven Botman about their long-term ambitions
Eddie Howe admitted Botman has been frustrated at Newcastle, but it is due to his injuries rather than anything that has happened between him and the club.
Newcastle made history by winning the Carabao Cup in March, their first domestic trophy for 70 years. Botman’s injury setback meant he did not play in the final, but he was still a major part of their success in the semi-final.
In his first interview with the club, Botman shared how he had been informed of Newcastle’s long-term plan. After three years, you could argue that the club have not yet achieved their main goal.
Speaking to Newcastle’s club media in 2022, Botman said: “I’m really happy – delighted – and I can’t wait to start this new adventure.
“This is the best day of my life, to sign a contract with Newcastle United.
“It’s a day I’ve worked hard for and I’m very excited.
“Newcastle had a long-term plan to get to the top, for both me and for the club, and they play in the Premier League which is the best league in Europe.
“The whole package is just perfect.
“I’m looking forward now to meeting the fans and also my new team-mates.”
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Sven Botman could sign a new contract with Newcastle United
After three years at the club, many will argue that the best is yet to come from Botman. The 25-year-old will be fit and ready for the 2025/26 campaign, having overcome his previous injury problems.
As it stands, Botman is under contract with the Magpies until 2027. However, that could soon be extended, according to reports in the last couple of months.
It is believed that Botman is open to signing a new deal with Newcastle this summer. The Dutchman is still seen as a big part of Howe’s plans going forward, despite the Magpies’ desire to sign a new centre-back this summer.
Botman is the heir to Dan Burn at left centre-back, but Newcastle are still searching for someone to take Fabian Schar’s place once he leaves.
Still so young, Newcastle fans can expect to see much more of Botman next season if all goes to plan.
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