Newcastle announced yesterday that they have completed the signing of Dutch defender Sven Botman, 22, from Lille on a five-year deal. The English club had communicated last Tuesday a principle of agreement
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The amount of the transfer has not been revealed, although according to British media, Newcastle will pay 37 million euros to Lille for the signing of Botman.
“I am very happy, delighted, and can’t wait to start this new adventure,” said Botman. “This is the best day of my life, a day that I have worked hard for and I am very excited about.”
Botman added: “Newcastle have a long-term plan to get to the top, both for 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 am looking forward to meeting the fans and also my new teammates.”
Newcastle, the club with the most capital in the world after being acquired in October by a Saudi Arabian sovereign fund, has spent 66 million euros in this summer market after incorporating Meta Nick Pope (Burnley) for 11.5 and acquiring in owned by defender Matt Targett, until now on loan from Aston Villa, for 17.5.
Champion with the LIlle in 2021
Botman, who has yet to play for the Dutch senior team, arrived at Lille in 2020 and won Ligue 1 in his first season.
“I am delighted that Sven is joining us. He is very good technically, very good physically and he has a great attitude,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.
“At 22 years old, he already has solid experience at the highest level but he is at a great age to grow with this team. I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing him with his new teammates,” Howe concluded.