Sven Botman’s contract extension has resulted in an improved run of form - could other Newcastle United stars take note?
Eddie Howe believes a new contract has helped Sven Botman rediscover his best form at Newcastle United.
The Dutchman was one of the blue-chip signings that arrived shortly after the Saudi-backed takeover. Toon chiefs coveted Botman for several months before landing the defender in July 2022.
He was a colossus as Newcastle qualified for Champions League football in his debut season. However, a string of serious injuries derailed Botman’s progress on Tyneside.
Sven Botman contract situation resolved
Botman found himself in limbo at the start of the season as he entered the final two years of his contract while working his way back into the team. Newcastle agreed a fresh deal until 2030 last month and, since then, the 26-year-old has enjoyed a resurgence in form.
Speaking to NewcastleWorld, Howe agreed that the recent extension has helped Botman rekindle his form. A penny for Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali’s thoughts as they consider their Toon futures…
“It would certainly help,” Howe replied when asked if Botman’s contract has improved his form. “For any player, if you have your future settled and you're not worrying about contract length or anything to do with off the pitch and you know you're here, then you've got to be all in.
“I think Sven's always been someone who has been fully committed. I've never seen a day where he's been distracted. But just when you have certainty over your future, I think it can certainly give you a feeling of contentment. And then you focus on what's really important, which is your performance and everything that goes into that.”
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Eddie Howe on Kieran Trippier
Howe also revealed there has been little update on Kieran Trippier’s contract - set to expire this summer. He added: “There's been no development on his contract, but I'd never rule anything out with Kieran. There'll be discussions for another day with Kieran and ourselves. Very open and we'll have dialogue as the season progresses.
“He's been an unbelievable player, professional for this football club. You should never underestimate what he's done and the difference he's made since signing from Atletico. For me it was a transformative signing.
“I love seeing him play for the team and giving what he gave us against Tottenham. If he can manage to keep that level between now and the end of the season, he'll be a massive help to us.”
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