Nick Hammond is reportedly now pushing to sign Lille centre-back Sven Botman for Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Busy, busy
The January transfer window is set to be a busy one for the St. James’ Park faithful, with players such as Aaron Ramsey and Isco linked with a move to the North East in recent days.
Hammond, who has been hired as a transfer consultant on a short-term deal and will now oversee the winter window (Sky Sports), will especially be looking for players to try and combat a recent injury crisis that has emerged on Tyneside, following the latest issues suffered by Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser.
Nonetheless, as Eddie Howe’s team currently find themselves in the relegation zone at the moment, next month is now such a crucial one in their new era.
The Latest: Pushing for Botman
As per Milan News, Hammond is now ‘pushing’ to sign Botman for the Toon, but will have to pay a transfer fee of at least €30m (£25.2m) for his signature.
Nonetheless, AC Milan also want to sign him, but it would be ‘difficult’ for them to pay the asking price.
The Verdict: Sign
With no fewer than 42 goals conceded in the Premier League so far this season, the joint-most with bottom-placed Norwich City, it is clear that the defence has been NUFC’s main problem.
Thus, they need to bring in some defenders in January to improve the spine of the team, and Botman would do just that.
Should Newcastle sign Botman?
Yes
No
Described as a ‘machine’ who ‘doesn’t make mistakes’ by Lille teammate Jose Fonte, the Netherlands international is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and can play out from the back, given that he averages more passes at a higher accuracy (WhoScored) than any of Howe’s current options at centre-back.
Nonetheless, he is only 21 years of age as well and so will only get better, thus January presents the perfect time to snap him up – wait any longer and other clubs may well come swooping in.
About the Author
