Sven Botman has said his farewell to Ligue 1 club Lille ahead of his highly-anticipated move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are on the brink of confirming the signing of one of Eddie Howe’s top targets after initiating interest in January.
Why does this transfer window feel so frantic and deranged? It’s way too loud and it’s not even July
They had been battling with Serie A champions AC Milan for his signature but have managed to overcome the Rossoneri’s interest.
Botman was superb for Lille, playing 79 times for them across all competitions, including the Champions League.
The 22-year-old has reportedly signed a five-year contract with Newcastle and successfully completed his medical on Monday.
He also wrote a goodbye message to the Lille fans, confirming his exit from the French club.
He wrote on Instagram: “Really grateful that I’ve worn the LOSC badge for two years, it has been an incredible journey with two big trophies and memories I will never forget.
“Merci LOSC pour tous! [Thank you LOSC for everything].”
Sven Botman has said goodbye to Lille on instagram! It’s done 🖤🤍 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/6694xlgfuZ
— Darren 🖤🤍 (@DVGrahamNUFC24) June 27, 2022
Meanwhile, Dutch journalist Marcel van de Kraan has likened Botman to Liverpool centre-half and compatriot Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk is one of the best central defenders of his generation and has helped the Reds win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Van der Kraan told Sky Sports: “The [transfer fee] has been surprising for us. Sven Botman is a man who has not had a great reputation in Holland because he’s spent most of his time abroad.
“He left early at Ajax and he’s been doing really well. Who does he remind me of? Maybe not to the stature or greatness, but another man who never lived up to a big reputation in Holland, Virgil van Dijk.
“He came almost from nowhere, went abroad to Celtic, then to Liverpool and we all know where he is. I really do hope for Sven that he can do something similar.
“He has got the physical presence and everything is really looking great for him.”
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