Sven Botman has said goodbye to Lille supporters ahead of his proposed move to Newcastle United. A six-month-long saga will come to an end when the Magpies make an official announcement in due course.
The Dutch U21 centre-back will become Newcastle’s third summer signing following the arrival of Matt Targett and Nick Pope. Botman signed for Lille two years ago and helped Les Dogues win the Ligue 1 title in his debut season.
Newcastle failed in an attempt to entice the Dutchman to St James’ Park in January amid concerns over the club’s precarious league position. With fears of Championship relegation a distant memory, the 6ft 5in centre-back will not put pen to paper on a long-term contract.
READ MORE: Sven Botman has passed Newcastle's secret tests for transfer targets to silence AC Milan doubts
A transfer tug of war ensued between Newcastle and AC Milan but Toon chiefs have managed to wrestle Botman away from the seven-time European champions. The defender bid farewell to Lille supporters via his Instagram account.
He wrote: “(I’m) 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!”
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