Liverpool is understood to have cooled its interest in Newcastle defender Sven Botman, who has struggled with injuries and is yet to win his first senior cap for the Netherlands
13:56, 03 Jan 2026
Sven Botman has been linked with Liverpool in recent months
Sven Botman has been linked with Liverpool in recent months(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool is believed to have cooled its interest in injury-plagued Newcastle center-back Sven Botman.
The Reds are in need of reinforcements at the back, with Giovanni Leoni recovering from a serious knee injury. Joe Gomez continues to spend time in the treatment room, while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have struggled to impress this season.
The Dutchman has been monitored by the Reds in recent years, but the former Ajax prospect's fitness concerns have prompted the Reds to explore alternative options. Club Brugge's Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordonez is another youngster Newcastle has scouted, but the Reds appear to be intensifying their interest in the talent as Botman continues to battle injury problems.
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According to Chronicle Live, Botman held discussions with Eddie Howe and sought guarantees regarding regular first-team opportunities.
The defender will turn 26 later this month and understands he's approaching a pivotal international juncture, having yet to earn a senior Holland cap. Nevertheless, he hasn't featured since November's 2-1 victory over Manchester City due to a hamstring injury.
Newcastle has already publicly confirmed, via sporting director Ross Wilson, the club's desire to offer Botman fresh terms. His existing contract is set to expire during the summer of 2027.
Discussing his contentment at Newcastle last year, Botman said: "In terms of name, Newcastle wasn't the biggest club that wanted me - that was AC Milan.
"But Newcastle was the club that suited me best. The ambitions, the style of play, and playing in the Premier League. I’ve always made my own choices based on what seemed best for me at that moment."
Kieran Trippier update
Elsewhere, Newcastle is poised to reassess Kieran Trippier's situation later in January, with Eddie Howe eager to keep his dressing room leader during a pivotal month. Trippier is on the radar of Saudi Pro League clubs, and the winter transfer window presents the final opportunity for the Magpies to profit from the 35-year-old.
Kieran Trippier's future at Newcastle is unclear
Kieran Trippier's future at Newcastle is unclear(Image: 2025 Sebastian Frej/MB Media)
However, as Trippier nears recovery from a thigh injury that has sidelined him for 12 matches, Howe is keen to utilize his experience and leadership during a critical few weeks.
Trippier has returned to training and could be back in the squad for the upcoming matches against Crystal Palace or Leeds. But the key date to watch is the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City, an event where Howe will be desperate to secure an advantage ahead of the crucial second match at the Etihad Stadium.
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The former England star played a vital role for the Magpies last season as they surged to Wembley for the final showpiece and triumphed over Liverpool 2-1.
Trippier's absence has coincided with a fluctuating run of form for Newcastle, including a derby defeat to Sunderland, a loss at Manchester United, and a Champions League setback in Marseille.
Trippier may be asked to stay for one final hurrah, but there are currently no clauses in Trippier's contract that would trigger an extension.