Bayer Leverkusen tried to sign for Newcastle United’s Sven Botman in the summer window.
That’s according to Kicker, and they report why the Bundesliga club weren’t able to secure the centre-back’s services. Currently manager-less, the club has been going through a period which can only be described as chaotic.
On deadline day, Bayer Leverkusen let Piero Hincapié join Arsenal on a loan deal with an obligation to buy if certain set conditions are met.
They wanted to bring in an ‘equivalent replacement’ for the Ecuadorian and this is why the Newcastle United player emerged as an option.
Kicker claim Bayer Leverkusen had a few ‘suitable candidates’ and Botman was one of them. It’s claimed they explored the possibility of securing a late move for the 25-year-old but ‘weren’t given access’, likely by Eddie Howe’s side.
The Magpies stopped Bayer Leverkusen from pursuing a late deal for the Netherlands international. The latter weren’t able to find another centre-back and finished the window without replacing Hincapié.
Botman suffered a serious knee injury in March 2024 and was forced to spend the rest of that year on the sidelines. The Dutchman played 14 games last season and has made one appearance this season for Newcastle.