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Newcastle United don’t want to lose any of their best players after Alexander Isak forced a move to Liverpool in the summer.
Newcastle United have reportedly entered early discussions over a new contract for Sven Botman.
The Magpies fought off competition from Italian giants AC Milan to sign the Dutchman from Lille for £35million in the summer of 2022.
In Botman’s debut campaign, United reached their first cup final since 1999 and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. In achieving the latter, Botman formed part of the joint-best defence in England, conceding just 33 goals in 38 matches.
The 25-year-old was quickly regarded as one of the best left-sided defenders in the Premier League but various knee issues, including an ACL injury, in the last two seasons have significantly halted his progress.
But it looks as though Botman is over those problems, having started 10 of the Magpies’ last 11 matches. That has seen him form a strong centre-back partnership with £35m summer signing Malick Thiaw.
Newcastle United enter early talks with Sven Botman over new contract
That has sharpened focus on his contract, which, as it stands, will expire in just over 18 months’ time. As per Mail Sport, Newcastle have opened early talks with Botman’s camp, though it could be a little while before an agreement is finalised.
Ross Wilson, who recently joined the club from Nottingham Forest as sporting director, will handle players’ contracts. The report adds that the relationship between Wilson and Botman’s representatives are good, and that both parties are relaxed about the situation.
Recent speculation has seen the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool credited with an interest in Botman. The Magpies have repeatedly stressed that they do not want to lose their players, with Alexander Isak serving as the example everyone wants to avoid.
Newcastle held brief talks over a contract extension for Isak last year but after that failed to materialise, the Swede used it as leverage to go on strike and successfully forced his £130million British record transfer to Liverpool.
After the move was confirmed, Botman was one of the few Newcastle players to send a public message to Isak. He wrote: “What started off as teammates grew into one of my rare best friendships. No more words needed brother, all the best in your next chapter.”
Ross Wilson ‘taking the lead’ on Newcastle United contracts
Botman is one of many contract situations facing Wilson. Both Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar are out of contract this summer, while slightly longer-term, the likes of Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali have arguably played their way to improved deals.
“That’s one that’s waiting for Ross (Wilson). These conversations will all be led by him,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said recently.
“And of course I’m sure he’s all over that and looking into the contract length of all the players and then starting conversations accordingly. We will have time for all those key decisions and meetings that we need to (have) and strategic planning for the future.
“At the moment, I think it’s important he just gets to know the staff, the players and gets an idea of how everything works. Then of course he can make changes as he sees fit to take everything forward and make it better.”
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