Eddie Howe’s first words on Sven Botman as Newcastle United transfer confirmed

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits he is delighted to see Sven Botman join the club from Lille. The defender’s long-awaited Magpies switch was confirmed on Friday evening after a deal was agreed earlier in the week.

Botman has impressed in Ligue 1 in recent years, attracting suitors from across Europe over the last 12 months. AC Milan were keen on landing the centre-back this summer but ultimately lost out to Howe’s side.

The player will link up with his new Newcastle team-mates after his summer break in the coming weeks, with fans eager to see him in action on Tyneside. Howe shares the supporters’ excitement and has praised the newest Toon addition.

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Howe told NUFC TV: “I’m delighted Sven is joining us. He is technically very good, physically very good and has a great attitude.

“At 22, he already has solid experience at the top level but he is at a great age to grow with this team. I am looking forward to getting to work with him and seeing him with his new team-mates.”

Newcastle have wasted no time strengthening their defence already this summer, adding Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope. Some first-team players were back in training on Friday with Howe putting them through their paces at Darsley Park.

“New additions really do strengthen our squad,” Howe added on Friday. “I’m really excited to see them in action – unfortunately not all of them are here today.

“But I’m really excited about the new additions. It’s important we come back a better team and I think those players will definitely help us do that. The right characters and the right ages for the positions we were looking to recruit in.”

Newcastle continue to be linked with a plethora of attacking options, including Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman is one of many players on the Magpies’ radar this summer.

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