Botman penned a new deal to 2030 earlier this month, becoming the first big-name player to commit his future to the Magpies since Alexander Isak effectively went on strike to force through a move to Liverpool last summer.
There were fears that Isak’s departure could spark a mass exodus of some of the club’s leading lights, but despite ongoing speculation linking the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon with possible moves, there will not be any high-profile exits this month.
Instead, Botman has followed Guimaraes and Tonali in signing a contract extension, and ahead of this evening’s Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch centre-half has spelled out his excitement at what the future might bring.
“From the moment when I stepped through this door three-and-a-half years ago, if you look at what we have achieved in the last couple of years, I think this club is just growing every year,” said Botman.
“We have already achieved great things, but we definitely want to have more. The trophy [Carabao Cup] was really nice last season and we definitely want to have more, and we definitely are setting a goal for ourselves to be in the Champions League spots every single season. That’s what we aim for.
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“I think with the group we’ve got, that should be what we’re achieving every season. If you look at what we’ve already achieved in the last couple of years, then with the years coming, I’m just looking forward to being part of that.”
Botman has spent much of his time on Tyneside battling against a string of serious injuries that have restricted him to just 84 senior starts in the space of more than three-and-a-half years.
He was sidelined for almost a year after undergoing ACL surgery, so there is a sense of making up for lost time now he has is back to full fitness.
“I think we had a great first season as a defence as a whole,” said Botman. “But then, with the injuries, it was a difficult time. Even when I came back from my ACL, I played a few games and then had another injury.
“It was a difficult two years for me, but I feel like I’m getting back to full fitness and back to great form. Most importantly, I just want to be fit, playing games, and enjoying myself.”
As well as wanting to help Newcastle enjoy more success this season, Botman is also hoping to play his way into the Netherlands squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America. While the 26-year-old has been in Dutch squads in the past, he is yet to make his senior international debut.
“I had a good moment before my injuries and was in the squad a few times,” said the defender. “I didn’t play, of course, but there were some big names in front of me in that position.
“At the moment, I’m just focusing on the club, on me enjoying the football, and on staying fit and playing as many games as possible. I’m a believer that when you’re in good shape, these things will come. Can I play in the World Cup? Of course, there’s a chance.”