Unlike the Star Wars franchise, Newcastle United’s Sven Botman saga is finally over! The 6ft 5 Dutchman signs for the Magpies on a five year contract and becomes Eddie Howe’s third signing of the summer.
Speaking to NUFCTV in his first interview for his new club, he says “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 the club, and they play in the Premier League which is the best league in Europe. The whole package is perfect. I’m looking forward now to meeting the fans and also my new team-mates”.
Head Coach Eddie Howe had this to say, “I’m delighted Sven is joining us. He is technically very good, physically very good and has a great attitude. At 22, he already has experience at the top level but he is at a great age to grow with the team. I am looking forward to getting to work with him and seeing him with his new team-mates”.
Born on the 12th January 2000, The 22 year old started his youth career at Dutch side Ajax in 2009. He didn’t make his first team debut for Ajax until 23rd June 2018 when he featured in a friendly against VVSB. Just under two months later he appeared for Ajax’s reserve team against Roda JC Kerkrade. During the 2018-19 season, Botman would make 28 appearances for Ajax’s reserve side in the Eerste Divisie (Dutch Second Division) and score two goals.
For the 2019/2020 season, Botman joined Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen on loan where he would make 30 appearances for them including four in the National Cup and finding the back of the net twice.
On the 31st July 2018, Botman joined the French Ligue 1 side Lille on a four-year contract in a deal that was reportedly worth between €8-9million. Botman would go on to be part of the side that won the league in the 2020/21 campaign and won the Trophee des Champions the same year.
Botman has represented his Netherlands international side at U15,16,18,19,21 level but is yet to make an appearance for the senior side despite being called up in November 2020.
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