If any outsiders wondered whether Newcastle United were serious, well, signing Sven Botman is another timely reminder of the Magpies' long-term ambitions. As Bruno Guimaraes put it earlier this year, Newcastle want to become a 'big power'.
Dan Burn was previously the club's most expensive centre-back, at £13m, but Botman will arrive from Lille for a fee nearly triple that amount after Newcastle outbid AC Milan. Yes, you read that right.
Given Botman's profile, Champions League experience and potential, it would not be an exaggeration to say Newcastle have not made a signing quite like this at the back since bringing in Jonathan Woodgate - even if the new arrival will naturally need a little bit of time to bed in.
