Newcastle United want to sign a centre-back this summer, and have been heavily linked with Lille’s Sven Botman.
The Dutchman almost joined the Magpies in January, but the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee. However, the 22-year-old was desperate to join Newcastle according to Amanda Staveley.
Botman is a target once again, but we face serious competition from AC Milan, who have new American owners ready to splash the cash. They will be hard to fend off, with Milan winning the Serie A title this season and securing Champions League football once again.
That will be hard to compete with, which might mean Newcastle need to look elsewhere for a new centre-back.
So what about another Dutch defender?
Nathan Ake could leave Manchester City
Nathan Ake joined Manchester City in 2020 for £41million, but hasn’t played a lot of football. He’s featured in 24 Premier League games across two seasons, winning two titles along the way.
However, he could leave the Etihad this summer. The Times report that Man City have told Ake that they are willing to sell him.
The report adds that the 27-year-old is a popular player at City, but Pep Guardiola understands that he will want to play more regularly. And that could interest Toon boss Eddie Howe.
Eddie Howe has signed Ake before – he should do it again
Howe has a history with Ake. He signed him twice during his time as Bournemouth manager.
He was brought in on loan in the summer of 2016, then returned permanently a year later for £20million. Ake was excellent for Bournemouth, with his form earning him the move to Manchester City.
While it hasn’t really worked out at the Etihad, he is still a top defender. And he plays as a left centre-back too, just like Botman.
Ake doesn’t have the same potential as Botman – he’s five years older. But that experience could be invaluable to a Newcastle side that is looking to progress up the Premier League table.
Howe knows what he would be getting with Ake. If anything, he’d be getting an improved version of the player he had, having spent the last two seasons learning from the best manager around.
If Newcastle can’t get Sven Botman then they should sign Nathan Ake as an alternative.
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