Sven Botman to complete Newcastle transfer

Dutch defender Sven Botman will today complete a move from Lille to Newcastle United. The highly rated defender will move to the Toon Army in a transfer package said to be worth £31 million, signing a five year deal with Eddie Howe's side.

The 22-year-old has been an almost ever present for the Ligue 1 side since his arrival, and played 79 times for his club. In a message confirming his departure on Instagram, Botman paid tribute to the club: "Really grateful that I’ve worn the LOSC badge for two years, it has been an incredible journey with two big trophies and memories I will never forget."

The 6 foot 5 defender has been brought in to shore up the Magpies' defence ahead of the new season. Botman came through Ajax's youth ranks and didn't play a competitive game for the side, despite having had a loan spell with Eredivisie side Heerenveen in 2019-20.

Lille will earn considerably more than the 9 million euros that the club paid Ajax to sign Botman in 2019, an excellent piece of business for the French side.