Newcastle United have completed the permanent transfer of Sven Botman from LOSC Lille.
Newcastle earlier this week reached agreement with Lille to sign Botman for around £35m with the 22 year-old defender subsequently signing a five-year contract, following a pass of his medical on Tyneside.
Botman began his career at Ajax where he graduated into their reserve team where he scored twice in 28 appearances, plus enjoyed a loan spell at Dutch club – Heerenveen where he netted twice in 26 appearances before he was signed by Lille in summer 2020.
During his time at Lille, Botman helped the club clinch the Ligue 1 title in his first season at the club followed by the 2021 Trophee des Champions, whilst he also found the net on three occasions in 79 appearances.
Speaking about his decision to join Newcastle, 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.”
Botman also praised Newcastle bosses for their vision of not just him but the club as a whole as he added: “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.”
Magpies’ Head Coach, Eddie Howe added that he is “delighted” to sign Botman as he praised the 22 year-old’s defensive ability, as he commented: “He is technically very good, physically very good and has a great attitude.
“At 22, he already has solid experience at the top level but he is at a great age to grow with this team. I am looking forward to getting to work with him and seeing him with his new team-mates.”
Botman could make his debut for Newcastle in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead on 9 July as the Magpies commence their preparation for the new season, with his competitive debut set to come against newly promoted Nottingham Forest on 6 August.
The 22 year-old defender is also Newcastle’s third signing of this summer’s transfer window after Matt Targett and Nick Pope joined the club in June.
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