Signing from Lille in the summer, Newcastle United fought a tough battle to bring Sven Botman to St James’ Park.
The Dutch centre-back was also a target for Milan, and while it was widely reported he would have preferred to move to San Siro, he eventually chose to move to the Premier League instead.
It’s a decision that has paid off for him, as he has become hugely important to Newcastle in a short matter of time, forming a formidable partnership with Fabian Schär at the centre of Eddie Howe’s plans.
This came off the back of some good seasons in France, where he developed alongside a Premier League veteran, José Fonte.
The Portuguese centre-back spent a lot of time in England with Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham, and he was the one who told him to go to Newcastle when the opportunity presented itself.
Speaking to La Voix des Sports, he goes through his time playing alongside Botman in the north of France.
He said: “When [Gabriel Magalhaes] leaves, I asked [Luis] Campos the name of his successor. When he tells me about Sven, I go straight to YouTube and my first impression is that he’s not ready and it’s going to be hard. Tactically, I see things that I didn’t like.
“After two games, I told Campos that I was wrong. He had this ability to learn quickly. Beyond that, he’s a good person, a very good professional. We spent two extraordinary years. Sven pushes up the pitch, he’s aggressive with a good left-foot and wins duels. Tactically, I think I helped him find good timing, knowing when to come out, when to stay.
“When he told me about Newcastle, I told him to go for it. And they’re third now, no?”
