The imminent return of Sven Botman is said to have dramatically changed Newcastle’s upcoming January transfer plans, where plans could shift away from the once-top target: Marc Guehi.
In a report courtesy of The Times’ Martin Hardy, Botman is set to return to the first team squad within the next week after making a full recovery from an ACL injury that’s kept him sidelined for the last eight months.
Hardy writes that Toon chiefs are keen to ‘avoid another scramble to balance the books’ in 2025 and may press pause on their expensive pursuit of Guehi now the Dutchman is fit again and closing in on a comeback ahead of the festive period.
Instead, it’s thought Botman’s return and a shift away from defensive targets will allow Eddie Howe, Paul Mitchell and co to focus on strengthening in the final third, where a right-winger has been wanted for some time.
Hardy states that Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga could be one to watch following our deadline day bid for the Swedish winger, with Nottingham Forest thought to be ‘more receptive to an approach in January’ now they would have time to source a replacement. However, it’s believed Newcastle would look to pay ‘significantly’ less than the £35m we offered over the summer.
After an exceptional debut campaign, Botman’s second season in the black and white was hindered by injuries, culminating in the season-defining ACL injury which epitomised Newcastle’s bad luck last season.
However, Howe clearly has huge faith in the 24-year-old, believing the former Lille star ‘will go on to be remembered as one of the best centre halves the Premier League has had’ in years to come.
This is ridiculous.
So if all our players were fit, would that mean wouldn’t buy anyone?
BykerBill(Quote)
Speculative dialogue at best but I’m inclined to think it’s guesswork.
There’s no guarantee an injury of the severity Botman had will mean he hits the quality he was showing.
Irrespective, Long term plans will be to complement botmans (assumed) quality on return with quality upgrades to schar / burn. Whether that’s ready to start or future development players is the only question really.
Priority is the wrong term. It’s about availability and opportunity
Jonesy(Quote)