Newcastle first tried to sign Lille defender Sven Botman in January. AP
Newcastle first tried to sign Lille defender Sven Botman in January. AP
Newcastle first tried to sign Lille defender Sven Botman in January. AP
Newcastle first tried to sign Lille defender Sven Botman in January. AP

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Newcastle United set to seal £35m deal for Lille defender Sven Botman

Dutchman poised to become third signing of summer for Premier League club

Gareth Cox

June 25, 2022

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Newcastle United are set to complete a £35 million ($42.9m) deal to sign defender Sven Botman from French club Lille.

A transfer fee of £31m, that will rise to £35m after add-ons, has been agreed for the Dutch defender who will arrive on Tyneside next week to finalise the move.

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Botman will become Newcastle's third signing of the summer after the arrival of left-back Matt Targett from Aston Villa and England goalkeeper Nick Pope from Burnley.

Targett, 26, enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Premier League club last season and joined on a permanent £15m deal two weeks ago, while Pope, 30, was signed for £10m on Friday.

Newcastle tried to sign Botman during the January transfer window but were unable to reach an agreement with the Ligue 1 club for a player who was also wanted by Italian champions AC Milan.

Securing the 22-year-old's signature represents a coup for the club who finished 11th in the table last season, despite looking set for relegation after winning just once in their first 19 games.

Newcastle, who were taken over by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium in October and replaced manager Steve Bruce with Eddie Howe a month later, enjoyed a stellar second half of the season.

A busy January transfer window saw the squad boosted by the arrival of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Dan Burn, Targett, and Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle 2021/22 season ratings

NEWCASTLE END OF SEASON RATINGS: (Managers) Eddie Howe: 9. Took over in November with the team in bottom three and without a win from 11 games. Finished the season 11th with 13 wins. Bought well in January, backed by the club's new owners, and revitalised a number players already at the club, including the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser. PA
NEWCASTLE END OF SEASON RATINGS: (Managers) Eddie Howe: 9. Took over in November with the team in bottom three and without a win from 11 games. Finished the season 11th with 13 wins. Bought well in January, backed by the club's new owners, and revitalised a number players already at the club, including the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser. PA
Steve Bruce: 2. Allowed to bring in just one player by then owner Mike Ashley during the summer when he clearly wanted and needed more. Had long lost the backing of fans and left soon after the new Saudi-backed owners took over club. His final game - Bruce's 1,000th match as a manager - was a 3-2 defeat at home to Spurs - with team second bottom and without a win from eight games. Reuters
Steve Bruce: 2. Allowed to bring in just one player by then owner Mike Ashley during the summer when he clearly wanted and needed more. Had long lost the backing of fans and left soon after the new Saudi-backed owners took over club. His final game - Bruce's 1,000th match as a manager - was a 3-2 defeat at home to Spurs - with team second bottom and without a win from eight games. Reuters
(Goalkeepers) Martin Dubravka 7. Missed the start of the season due to injury and his return to the team in November was much needed as the two other keepers had failed to convince in his absence. Fine shot-stopper but culpable for a few poor goals and will be a surprise if 33-year-old is still No 1 at start of next campaign. Reuters
(Goalkeepers) Martin Dubravka 7. Missed the start of the season due to injury and his return to the team in November was much needed as the two other keepers had failed to convince in his absence. Fine shot-stopper but culpable for a few poor goals and will be a surprise if 33-year-old is still No 1 at start of next campaign. Reuters
Karl Darlow: 4. Capable of pulling off superb saves but guilty of some basic errors (see Brentford home) and doesn't command his area or look confident on crosses. Lost his place soon after Howe's arrival and could be heading for exit this summer. Getty
Karl Darlow: 4. Capable of pulling off superb saves but guilty of some basic errors (see Brentford home) and doesn't command his area or look confident on crosses. Lost his place soon after Howe's arrival and could be heading for exit this summer. Getty
Freddie Woodman: 3. Has shone brightly for England youth teams and on loan at second-tier Swansea City but struggled on step up to top-flight level, highlighted by an error-strewn display in the 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. Sent out on loan to Bournemouth where he played just one FA Cup game. Reuters
Freddie Woodman: 3. Has shone brightly for England youth teams and on loan at second-tier Swansea City but struggled on step up to top-flight level, highlighted by an error-strewn display in the 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. Sent out on loan to Bournemouth where he played just one FA Cup game. Reuters
(Defenders) Ciaran Clark: 4. His most important contribution to the season was a disastrous sending off against Norwich after nine minutes, resulting in Joelinton being shifted into a midfield role that has relaunched the Brazilian's career. Clark would start only one more game that season - a 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City. Reuters
(Defenders) Ciaran Clark: 4. His most important contribution to the season was a disastrous sending off against Norwich after nine minutes, resulting in Joelinton being shifted into a midfield role that has relaunched the Brazilian's career. Clark would start only one more game that season - a 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City. Reuters
Paul Dummett: 5. Barely played due to injury - making only three appearances - but still rewarded with one-year contract extension by Howe who described the Geordie full-back as "a consummate professional". EPA
Paul Dummett: 5. Barely played due to injury - making only three appearances - but still rewarded with one-year contract extension by Howe who described the Geordie full-back as "a consummate professional". EPA
Fabian Schar: 8. One of a number of players revitalised under Howe. Stylish Swiss defender had fallen out of favour with Bruce but became first-choice under Howe and has just been handed new two-year deal. EPA
Fabian Schar: 8. One of a number of players revitalised under Howe. Stylish Swiss defender had fallen out of favour with Bruce but became first-choice under Howe and has just been handed new two-year deal. EPA
Jamaal Lascelles: 6. Club captain has fallen down the pecking order since the January arrival of Dan Burn and his time at the club could well be up this summer. No longer the commanding figure of the Rafa Benitez era and his lack of pace and mobility a problem in the Premier League - but attitude and commitment can not be faulted. Getty
Jamaal Lascelles: 6. Club captain has fallen down the pecking order since the January arrival of Dan Burn and his time at the club could well be up this summer. No longer the commanding figure of the Rafa Benitez era and his lack of pace and mobility a problem in the Premier League - but attitude and commitment can not be faulted. Getty
Matt Ritchie: 5. A winger forced to play as full-back or wingback due to lack of options. Not good enough defensively but tireless runner still capable of whipping in dangerous crosses. Probably another whose time at club has run its course. Reuters
Matt Ritchie: 5. A winger forced to play as full-back or wingback due to lack of options. Not good enough defensively but tireless runner still capable of whipping in dangerous crosses. Probably another whose time at club has run its course. Reuters
Jamal Lewis: 4. An injury-wrecked campaign for the left-back who was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad in January due to the new arrivals but Howe insists the former Norwich man will get a chance to prove himself in pre-season. AP
Jamal Lewis: 4. An injury-wrecked campaign for the left-back who was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad in January due to the new arrivals but Howe insists the former Norwich man will get a chance to prove himself in pre-season. AP
Matt Targett: 8. Left-back proved a vital signing on loan from Aston Villa in a position where Newcastle were desperately short. Solid defensively, good pushing forward and his crossing from out wide a useful weapon to have - would be a surprise if club do not agree to turn move into permanent £15m deal. PA
Matt Targett: 8. Left-back proved a vital signing on loan from Aston Villa in a position where Newcastle were desperately short. Solid defensively, good pushing forward and his crossing from out wide a useful weapon to have - would be a surprise if club do not agree to turn move into permanent £15m deal. PA
Kieran Trippier: 8. A statement signing from Atletico Madrid in January who slotted seamlessly into the team and looks set to take over from Lascelles as club captain. Dead-ball skills are a huge asset - as shown by his superb free-kick against Everton - and is already a huge fan favourite despite breaking his foot in February that ruled him out until May. Getty
Kieran Trippier: 8. A statement signing from Atletico Madrid in January who slotted seamlessly into the team and looks set to take over from Lascelles as club captain. Dead-ball skills are a huge asset - as shown by his superb free-kick against Everton - and is already a huge fan favourite despite breaking his foot in February that ruled him out until May. Getty
Emil Krafth: 7. Swedish defender has looked a squad player, at best, since his arrival in 2019 but really stepped up to the plate after Trippier's injury in February, producing by far and away his best spell in the team. Getty
Emil Krafth: 7. Swedish defender has looked a squad player, at best, since his arrival in 2019 but really stepped up to the plate after Trippier's injury in February, producing by far and away his best spell in the team. Getty
Federico Fernandez: 5. Another defender whose season has been decimated by injury. The veteran Argentine started only five league games and will likely be leaving this summer. PA
Federico Fernandez: 5. Another defender whose season has been decimated by injury. The veteran Argentine started only five league games and will likely be leaving this summer. PA
Javier Manquillo: 6. Spanish defender's versatility has been a bonus and has done a job playing either full-back position, although injuries have restricted the 28-year-old to 15 league starts. PA
Javier Manquillo: 6. Spanish defender's versatility has been a bonus and has done a job playing either full-back position, although injuries have restricted the 28-year-old to 15 league starts. PA
Dan Burn: 8. The 1.98m tall January signing from Brighton has been a revelation at centre-half, arguably more comfortable on the ground than in the air, despite his height. Described joining his boyhood club as a "risk" that he "was never going to turn down" and his committed performances have made him hugely popular with fans. AFP
Dan Burn: 8. The 1.98m tall January signing from Brighton has been a revelation at centre-half, arguably more comfortable on the ground than in the air, despite his height. Described joining his boyhood club as a "risk" that he "was never going to turn down" and his committed performances have made him hugely popular with fans. AFP
(Midfielders) Joelinton: 8. A remarkable transformation from striker who couldn't score to marauding box-to-box midfielder. A powerhouse in the middle of the park whose tireless running has made him a cult hero with fans and helped seal the club's Player of the Year award. Brazilian even chipped in with two goals in the April win at Norwich. EPA
(Midfielders) Joelinton: 8. A remarkable transformation from striker who couldn't score to marauding box-to-box midfielder. A powerhouse in the middle of the park whose tireless running has made him a cult hero with fans and helped seal the club's Player of the Year award. Brazilian even chipped in with two goals in the April win at Norwich. EPA
Jonjo Shelvey: 7. Howe made it clear from Day 1 how much he rates the midfielder and Shelvey has clearly relished the belief the manager has in him. Passing ability has never been in doubt but even concerns about his lack of mobility seem to have been dispelled since the turn of the year. Free-kick winner against Leeds in January kick-started team's revival. Reuters
Jonjo Shelvey: 7. Howe made it clear from Day 1 how much he rates the midfielder and Shelvey has clearly relished the belief the manager has in him. Passing ability has never been in doubt but even concerns about his lack of mobility seem to have been dispelled since the turn of the year. Free-kick winner against Leeds in January kick-started team's revival. Reuters
Isaac Hayden: 5. Midfielder admitted he was "bitterly disappointed" to be left out of the 25-man squad in January with injuries severely restricting the former Arsenal man's contributions. Solid presence at anchorman but looks like his time is up on Tyneside. AP
Isaac Hayden: 5. Midfielder admitted he was "bitterly disappointed" to be left out of the 25-man squad in January with injuries severely restricting the former Arsenal man's contributions. Solid presence at anchorman but looks like his time is up on Tyneside. AP
Ryan Fraser: 7. The free transfer signing from Bournemouth had endured a fairly miserable time since arriving in 2020 but suddenly clicked into gear at the start of the year. The Scottish wideman was a key performer in the team's rise up the table and would rum himself to a standstill such was his effort in some of the games. AFP
Ryan Fraser: 7. The free transfer signing from Bournemouth had endured a fairly miserable time since arriving in 2020 but suddenly clicked into gear at the start of the year. The Scottish wideman was a key performer in the team's rise up the table and would rum himself to a standstill such was his effort in some of the games. AFP
Jacob Murphy: 6. Has become an important squad player this season but can be frustrating to watch and has repeatedly shown a lack of composure when through on goal. One injury-time miss at Watford in September left one local radio commentator screaming: "No! Just put it in the net!" and became a viral hit on social media in the north east. AFP
Jacob Murphy: 6. Has become an important squad player this season but can be frustrating to watch and has repeatedly shown a lack of composure when through on goal. One injury-time miss at Watford in September left one local radio commentator screaming: "No! Just put it in the net!" and became a viral hit on social media in the north east. AFP
Joe Willock: 5. A hugely disappointing season for the £22m summer signing who had been superb during a loan spell from Arsenal the previous campaign. Willock managed just two goals all season and looked short of confidence throughout. Will be interesting to see whether he can recapture the goalscoring form shown at the start of 2021. AFP
Joe Willock: 5. A hugely disappointing season for the £22m summer signing who had been superb during a loan spell from Arsenal the previous campaign. Willock managed just two goals all season and looked short of confidence throughout. Will be interesting to see whether he can recapture the goalscoring form shown at the start of 2021. AFP
Sean Longstaff: 6. Signs during the last couple of weeks that the local boy might be rediscovering the sort of form that he produced when he first burst on to the scene in the Benitez era. Just signed a new three-year contract and will be looking to kick-on next season. Reuters
Sean Longstaff: 6. Signs during the last couple of weeks that the local boy might be rediscovering the sort of form that he produced when he first burst on to the scene in the Benitez era. Just signed a new three-year contract and will be looking to kick-on next season. Reuters
Jeff Hendrick: 3. Irish midfielder has never settled since his free transfer arrival in 2020 and was farmed out on loan to second-tier QPR in January. Certain to leave St James' Park this summer. Getty
Jeff Hendrick: 3. Irish midfielder has never settled since his free transfer arrival in 2020 and was farmed out on loan to second-tier QPR in January. Certain to leave St James' Park this summer. Getty
Bruno Guimaraes: 9. What a player this man looks. A January signing that highlights the club's ambitions. Strong runner, biting in the tackle, superb passing skills and is even chipping in regularly with goals from midfield. The fans love him and should be the heartbeat of this side for years to come. PA
Bruno Guimaraes: 9. What a player this man looks. A January signing that highlights the club's ambitions. Strong runner, biting in the tackle, superb passing skills and is even chipping in regularly with goals from midfield. The fans love him and should be the heartbeat of this side for years to come. PA
(Attackers) Allan Saint-Maximin: 8. The great enigma. His pace and trickery make him a defender's worst nightmare and is simply unplayable on his day. But also hugely frustrating for teammates and fans alike with his decision-making, final ball and habit of running down blind alleys. The Frenchman has to add consistency to his game if he wants to reach the next level. Getty
(Attackers) Allan Saint-Maximin: 8. The great enigma. His pace and trickery make him a defender's worst nightmare and is simply unplayable on his day. But also hugely frustrating for teammates and fans alike with his decision-making, final ball and habit of running down blind alleys. The Frenchman has to add consistency to his game if he wants to reach the next level. Getty
Miguel Almiron: 6. The Paraguayan is another frustrating figure at the club. Faultless work ethic, lightning quick but simply not enough goals or assists for an attacker. Showed he can do it with stunning winner against Crystal Palace in April but needs to do it on a far more regular basis. Getty
Miguel Almiron: 6. The Paraguayan is another frustrating figure at the club. Faultless work ethic, lightning quick but simply not enough goals or assists for an attacker. Showed he can do it with stunning winner against Crystal Palace in April but needs to do it on a far more regular basis. Getty
Callum Wilson: 7. Would be higher mark if not for the injury problems that have blighted his time on Tyneside. Pacy and powerful striker finished as the club's top scorer (with eight goals, bagging a double against Burnley on final day of season) despite missing half the season through injury. If Newcastle can keep him fit, would be nudging the 20-goal mark. PA
Callum Wilson: 7. Would be higher mark if not for the injury problems that have blighted his time on Tyneside. Pacy and powerful striker finished as the club's top scorer (with eight goals, bagging a double against Burnley on final day of season) despite missing half the season through injury. If Newcastle can keep him fit, would be nudging the 20-goal mark. PA
Chris Wood: 5. A striker has to be judged on his goals and the £25m January signing from then relegation rivals Burnley simply has not delivered on that front. Two goals is not enough but did provide Newcastle with a much-needed focal point up front in Wilson's absence. AFP
Chris Wood: 5. A striker has to be judged on his goals and the £25m January signing from then relegation rivals Burnley simply has not delivered on that front. Two goals is not enough but did provide Newcastle with a much-needed focal point up front in Wilson's absence. AFP
Dwight Gayle: 3. Striker resctricted to cameo appearances for the last few minutes of games. Getty
Dwight Gayle: 3. Striker resctricted to cameo appearances for the last few minutes of games. Getty

The likes of Fabian Schar, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser all saw a resurgence in form under Howe's guidance as Newcastle picked up 38 points in 2022 – a figure only bettered by Liverpool (51) Manchester City (43), and Tottenham Hotspur (41).

Newcastle have also been trying to sign another Ligue 1 player in Reims striker Hugo Ekitike but the club have grown increasingly frustrated that a deal has not been completed for the highly rated 20-year-old.

Newcastle tried to sign Ekitike in January but he opted to remain in France and now reports suggest the player's agent is asking for a fee the Magpies are unwilling to meet.

Howe is looking to strengthen his attacking options and provide competition for the injury-prone Callum Willson and January signing Wood, who only managed only two goals in 17 games after moving from Burnley.

Newcastle remain interested in Ekitike but look set to move on to other targets, with Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin reported to be on their wish list.

But with the Merseyside club seemingly prepared to sell Brazilian attacker Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur, the chances of Calvert-Lewin also being allowed to leave seem unlikely.

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Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

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