Newcastle United are yet to begin contract talks with Sven Botman, with two of his teammates seen as bigger priorities, according to reports.
Though Alexander Isak proved a contract won’t stop a transfer going through if a player is determined to leave, it does ensure a massive transfer fee when they do.
Newcastle United are in a strong position on that front, with several of Eddie Howe’s most crucial players all signed up for multiple years.
It was even recently revealed that Sandro Tonali’s contract actually runs until 2029, rather than the presumed 2028.
However, several players are only contracted until 2027 and are approaching the final 18 months of their deals, like Sven Botman.
Though that time frame is no cause for immediate panic, it would be better for Newcastle to get their star centre-back tied down to new terms soon, as Premier League rivals are starting to show an interest.
However, it has been reported that Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar are seen as bigger priorities at present.
Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman on an open top bus.
Photo by Neil Milton/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
‘Nothing happening’ with Sven Botman’s contract talks yet
After an injury-ravaged two years, Botman is finally playing consistently and getting back to the form he showed when he first arrived at St. James’ Park in 2022.
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The Dutchman is forming a great partnership with summer signing Malick Thiaw and his performances are not going unnoticed.
The Chronicle reports that both Liverpool and Chelsea are showing interest in Botman, with both clubs in need of defensive reinforcements.
Despite the looming threat of another transfer saga, the report cites sources in the Netherlands that say there’s ‘nothing happening’ on the contract front for Botman as of yet.
It has been widely reported that contract talks with the likes of Botman and Tino Livramento would soon begin after the appointment of Ross Wilson as new sporting director at the start of October.
However, the Chronicle adds that Trippier and Schar are ‘classed as more urgent cases’ as their contracts are set to expire in 2026.
Newcastle have already triggered a clause to extend Nick Pope’s deal to 2027 and seem keen on keeping the veteran defensive duo, too.
Should Newcastle keep Trippier and Schar?
It’s clearly approaching the end of an era at Newcastle. The first stage of PIF’s ownership, in which the Magpies have established themselves as a quality outfit, is over, and now it’s time to move on to competing seriously for league titles.
Howe is gradually improving the squad to move towards this aim, and the increase in depth this year from last is already having a positive impact. Newcastle made eight changes against Tottenham but didn’t miss a beat as they won 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
But the influx of new, quality players does mean that the old guard of faithful servants who have done so much for the club will gradually be phased out. Schar and Trippier are chief among those, as well as Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Emil Krafth and, though he is enjoying a revival, eventually Pope and one day even Dan Burn.
Pope aside, these players no longer have a guaranteed starting place when everyone is fit and, when even more new stars arrive in future transfer windows, they will lose even their places on the bench.
That day will arrive soon but it’s not here yet and, conversely, having wily, grizzled experience in the squad is vital. Trippier and Schar are reaching the twilight of their careers, but they remain quality players who contribute massively to the team whenever relied upon.
They should be kept for one more year at least.