Newcastle United fans on social media have been shocked by reports from Fabrizio Romano claiming Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Sven Botman.
Botman established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League during his first season at Newcastle United but has struggled with injuries since.
In fact, over the past two seasons, the Dutchman has made only 33 appearances across all competitions.
Newcastle paid Lille £35million for Botman and, when at his best, the 25-year-old is a force to be reckoned with.
Still, the former Ajax youngster has not started either of Newcastle’s Premier League games this season. While that may be down to trying to keep him fit, Eddie Howe did manage to land a new defender in the form of Malick Thiaw earlier this summer.
According to Romano, Leverkusen are interested but accept a deal may be difficult to do given Newcastle want to keep Botman.
Here’s how fans reacted.
- Who is Sven Botman? Get the lowdown on Newcastle United’s Dutch defensive dynamo
Bayer Leverkusen interested in Sven Botman
The news came as something of a surprise. There has been little talk about Botman leaving, with the news agenda dominated by speculation over Alexander Isak’s future.
Understandably, Newcastle fans on social media platform X were shrugging off the reports.
“Not a chance he’s leaving. Long term plan has to be him and Thiaw partnership,” said one fan.
Another wrote: “Absolutely no way this can or will happen.”
One fan added: “A deal that makes sense for no one. Too good for us to sell cheap, too injury prone to buy for real money. Can’t see this happening.”
“We shouldn’t sell. Top player,” said another.
How Sven Botman feels about his Newcastle United future
Botman is open to signing a new contract at Newcastle, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027.
Paris Saint-Germain have previously been linked with a move for the defender but it’s thought he would be prepared to extend his stay on Tyneside.
Whether a new deal is forthcoming, however, is up for debate. Botman would surely need to prove his fitness before the club commit to offering him a contract extension.
Hopefully, he can get back to his best this season. With the Champions League back on Tyneside, Newcastle desperately need him to.
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