Will Sven Botman’s Injuries Alter Newcastle United’s Transfer Plans?

Newcastle United wants to sign a new centre back in the summer transfer window, but concerns over the fitness of Dutch defender Sven Botman are mounting.

Botman, 25, has been one of Newcastle’s most impressive performers since arriving from Lille in the summer of 2022. But over the past 18 months or so, he has been ravaged by knee injuries, and he may not play in either of the last two matches of the Premier League season due to being forced off early as Newcastle beat Chelsea on Saturday.

Given he was starting his first match after recovering from a knee issue which kept him out of the team for a number of weeks, there are now more fears that Botman’s overall sustainability is not as reliable as first thought. Although Newcastle will strengthen in central defence regardless, it may be forced to sign two players in that position.

Surgery on one knee issue saw Botman sidelined from March until December last year, and it wasn’t long until he was on the treatment table again for a separate injury on the other leg. Upon that recovery, there are now more doubts.

For much of this season, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe has relied upon Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, both 33, for most of the season; while they have both played exceptionally well and repaid his faith, their lack of pace leaves them vulnerable. If Newcastle qualifies for the Champions League, it will need to be strong enough defensively to compete; having Botman fit is the best way to get there, but confidence in that is waning among the fanbase.

Newcastle wants to sign a defender this summer

Transfer targets are being identified already in that area. Talks have been held with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has a £50m ($66m) release clause in his contract. But it is becoming increasingly clear that the 19-year-old Spaniard will join Real Madrid. After a very public chase, with rejected bids of up to £65m ($86m) last summer, Newcastle remains an admirer of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi.

He may well end up being a top target again this summer, as Palace’s position in negotiations has severely weakened. Guehi’s contract at Selhurst Park expires next year and there is no suggestion he will sign a new one; if Palace wants to earn something from his sale, it will need to discuss a lower price for its captain. Newcastle’s issue could be competition for his signature, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also credited with an interest.

Scouts have identified other options, but this is a huge transfer window for Newcastle. Having not made a major first team addition for two years, there are a number of positions in need of an upgrade, especially with Champions League qualification an increasing possibility. Right-wing, goalkeeper and striker are among other priorities, with Lille’s Jonathan David among those of interest, and the required quality will reduce the available funds for a second defensive signing.

There is little to suggest Newcastle will refocus on initial plans but the latest development around Botman is far from ideal. On Sunday, Howe seemed fairly relaxed on the situation, but having to consider a substitution so soon after an injury return, given a similar thing happened earlier in the season, is frustrating.

“He was slightly uncomfortable in the half time break with a knee problem,” Howe said.

“I don’t think it’s serious. He was obviously OK to carry on but he was feeling something so, tactically, I thought it would help us to change.”

The hope will be that Botman fully recovers and is able to put a nightmare couple of seasons behind him, with the club certainly remaining calm.

Yet Guehi or whoever arrives will be earmarked as a partner for him, but with all other options at Howe’s disposal are all over 30 with more games to play next season, the last thing Newcastle needs is to be carrying a star who cannot stay fit.