Sven Botman's agent has hinted the centre-back has achieved his Premier League dream by signing for Newcastle United. The Dutchman's eagerly awaited Magpies switch was finally announced on Tuesday evening, with the defender agreeing a five-year deal on Tyneside.
Botman, 22, has been a long-term target for Newcastle with Eddie Howe keen on bringing him to the club as early as January. AC Milan looked to be leading the race for the player's signature this summer but ultimately fell short.
Botman's agent, Nikkie Bruinenberg, took to social media on Tuesday evening to share his delight at the transfer, posing with the player at St. James' Park. Bruinenberg captioned his Instagram post: "'Nik, one day I want to play in the Premier League'. Here we are."
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Botman has looked Premier League-bound for a number of seasons, with Liverpool previously interested in the Ajax academy prospect. Lille were almost forced to sell the youngster earlier this year but held firm to deny Newcastle in January.
“Everyone says about Newcastle: ‘it's all about money’," Botman admitted earlier this year. "But it's a very nice project, if you look at where Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain started. I think it would be very nice to be part of that, but of course Milan is a beautiful club.”
Botman himself took to social media after his Newcastle move was announced, writing: "Happy to be part of the Magpies family!" The final formalities of his Lille exit are expected to be finalised before the end of the week.
Newcastle have moved quickly to also add Matt Targett and Nick Pope to their ranks this summer. Howe's attention will now shift to the opposite end of the pitch as attacking options are eyed. Moussa Diaby, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Amine Gouiri continue to be linked with a move to St. James' Park.
