Newcastle United are always looking to strengthen their squad because they are now competing regularly in Europe as well, but their own players also come on the radar of other big clubs. Meanwhile, supporters who follow sport widely sometimes check activity in leagues such as the NFL through this page, though the focus on Tyneside remains firmly on keeping the current group steady.
The club has always looked to retain their most important players who have helped their achieve success in the recent seasons, but there have always been discussions about certain players due to the value that they have added and continue to add in the project.
Sven Botman has been one such player who has attracted attention towards himself in recent weeks. The Dutch centre-back is currently a vital part of Eddie Howe’s project, and his performance for the Magpies have called for the attention of other big clubs.
The key details
We now have an exclusive report from journalist Marc Brus, who stated that Premier League giants like Liverpool and Chelsea have been monitoring the 25-year-old. The Reds have always looked at him as one of their preferred signings, and continue to insist that he could slot in very well in their backline.
Meanwhile, the Blues are also not far behind. Brus has revealed that the Stamford Bridge-based club likes his traits, like composure on the ball and accurate reading of attacks. Hence, they feel that Botman could very well slot into Enzo Maresca’s backline.
Botman has won duels with his physicality, has shown his distribution skills while bundling from the back, and has also displayed his calmness under pressure. Hence, the Magpies value him a lot, and they are not ready to sell him. Moreover, there is no indication from the defender himself that he is ready to leave St. James Park.
The report also revealed that Newcastle United have suffered a slight delay in renewing his contract because of the change in the club’s Sporting Director, and Ross Barkley has recently taken over that role.
Now that Barkley is in the post, he views the Dutchman’s renewal as one of the most important jobs. There is calmness in the club as they believe that they will get the renewal confirmed sooner or later.
There should not be any sort of doubt about why the Merseyside club wants the 25-year-old. They are unsure of Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future, and if they aren’t successful in signing Marc Guehi, they will push for Botman. Meanwhile, the Blues have always looked to get talent in their squad, and they will want to add more balance to Maresca’s plans
However, Newcastle United have to secure his future anyway. The Dutchman is very critical of the long-term plans of Howe, and before the speculation turns into wildfire, they have to tie him up to a new contract. Of course, for now, the situation is calm, and the Magpies are quite sure that they have got it all covered, but it does not take much time to change the fortunes of an important player like Botman.
How does Eddie Howe use his tactics at Newcastle United?
Newcastle United under Eddie Howe have shown a clear identity that stands apart from the approaches supporters saw before his arrival. The team plays with assertiveness and seeks to set the tempo from the very first phase of a match.
Supporters recognise that this shift has changed how opponents treat games at St James’ Park, because Newcastle now try to dictate territory rather than react to it. The tone remains proactive, and winning the ball high becomes a shared responsibility rather than the burden of a few individuals.
Howe prefers a 4-3-3 shape that encourages pressure high up the pitch, with forwards and midfielders stepping forward together. The aim is to force mistakes in areas that can lead directly to chances, unsettling sides that prefer a calmer build-up.
Bruno Guimarães often acts as the link in midfield, giving the team a steady base while those around him push with intensity. Joelinton brings force and direct running that allows Newcastle to break lines, and together they help the side gain control in central spaces.
Kieran Trippier remains crucial because he provides width and accurate delivery, yet he also contributes creatively by stepping into advanced areas when Newcastle try to pin opponents back. The wingers and centre-forward rotate positions, move into pockets, and stretch defences, creating uncertainty in opposing back lines. In possession, Newcastle can hold the ball patiently, but once a gap appears, they switch forward with speed.
Defensively, the high press forms the first layer of protection. However, Howe has shown that he can adjust when needed. For example, against Tottenham, Newcastle used a deeper shape to limit central access while waiting for counterattacks. This adaptability allows the side to face different challenges without losing their core intent, giving the sense that Newcastle compete on their own terms rather than reacting to others.