Newcastle United are now plotting an astronomical offer to sign a Premier League rival to replace injury-prone defender Sven Botman this summer.
Newcastle plotting move for Botman replacement
No one can deny Botman's quality. When fit, the Dutchman is one of the most important players at St James' Park, but there's the catch. He simply cannot stay fit for long enough to truly make a lasting impact and after a dire season, it's time for Newcastle to get ruthless this summer.
Having suffered a facial injury against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby last time out, Botman is set for a number of weeks on the sidelines - leaving Eddie Howe to scramble for options once again.
Sven Botman injury history
Back problems (25/26)
Hamstring injury (25/26)
Knee problems (24/25)
Broken kneecap (24/25)
ACL (23/24)
Total
As good as Botman is, there's no taking advantage of that quality if it's missing for 51 games in the last three seasons. It's clear that Newcastle have a decision to make this summer.
Just who replaces the centre-back is the big question. The rumour mill is already entering overdrive ahead of the transfer window, with names such as Alessandro Buongiorno threatening to steal the headlines.
The Napoli defender isn't short on experience and the fact that he shares an agent with Sandro Tonali may provide the Magpies with an unexpected boost.
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Sandro Tonali's future is in doubt.
He's not the only one to watch, though. It will need to be a big summer for those in Tyneside after such a tough season in which their recruitment has been questioned.
As such, they could welcome a Premier League rival. According to Sports Boom, Pascal Struijk is one of their "plans" to replace Botman this summer. For their part, Leeds United are braced for interest, but would reluctantly accept an 'astronomical' offer.
In-demand Struijk would instantly replace Botman
Having more than played his part in Leeds' impressive campaign, as they edge closer to Premier League survival, it's no real surprise that there's interest in Struijk.
pascal-struijk-leeds
Both Aston Villa and Tottenham have reportedly joined Newcastle in the race to sign the central defender after Leeds admitted that an astronomical offer could force their hand in the coming months.
As far as Botman replacements go, Struijk is also a strong candidate. He's still just 26 years old and has become an established top flight centre-back this summer.
PL stats 25/26 Struijk Botman
Minutes 2,431 1,208
Tackles 30 14
Duel Success 55.6% 65%
Recoveries 101 62
Crucially, the numbers show just how often Struijk has been available at Elland Road compared to Botman at Newcastle this season. The summer target has played almost 1,000 more minutes than the Dutchman.
Dubbed "outstanding" by Leeds boss Daniel Farke back in August, every sign is pointing towards a big move for Struijk at some stage in the coming years.
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Whether that move comes courtesy of Newcastle as soon as this summer remains to be seen, but there's no denying that he'd be an upgrade for Howe.