Newcastle United are on the verge of completing their third summer signing of the transfer window with Sven Botman set to arrive from Lille for a fee believed to be in the region of £31 million, as they finally reached an agreement to secure their long-term target.
And that interest began last season, before the Magpies attempted to sign the Dutchman in the January transfer window, only for the Ligue 1 side to reject their advances to deny one of their star assets leaving half-way through the season.
Now, Jocelyn Gourvennec, who managed Botman in France last season, has revealed that the 22-year-old was “disturbed” by the transfer situation with Newcastle last season, ahead of a deal finally being completed this month.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said: "Sven was speaking with the president [Olivier Letang] and wanted to speak to me, too. I said to him, 'If you have Newcastle now in January, you will have Newcastle in the summer. I think it's better to stay here, to finish your job.’
"We had to prepare for the Champions League against Chelsea. He was a little bit disturbed because he didn't know if he had to accept that in January, but he understood he could finish the job in Lille. It's never easy to arrive at a club in January. To adapt is never ideal. He made a good choice to wait. Now I think it will be OK for him. He deserves it.
"It's a good choice for him because he will discover the Premier League. He has all the qualities to perform in the Premier League - I have no doubt about that. He's not a star at the moment but people and other players will discover him. You can't be wrong if you made a choice to recruit Sven Botman."
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Lille were the reigning Ligue 1 champions last season and with UEFA Champions League football still to compete in by the time Newcastle made their approach in January, the French outfit were in no position to let their star defender leave - which frustrated the Dutchman.
Botman was very much open to the idea of Newcastle, and although he was “disturbed” at his club’s decisions to deny him a move to the Premier League, he finally has his chance to fulfil that dream.
But not before AC Milan came calling, who were at one point expected to snatch the 22-year-old away from the Magpies’ hands, although Botman opted to turn down a very attractive offer to play for the Serie A champions, on a much bigger stage.
It is the club’s long-term ambitions that have enticed the centre back to finally complete his move to Tyneside, and with Newcastle certainly on the way up, it is easy to understand why. As well as this, Milan actually failed to stump up the required funds to secure a deal.
After Newcastle also failed to sign Diego Carlos this summer, who was their other top centre back target alongside Botman, the St. James’ Park outfit pursued this one right until the very last to ensure they wouldn’t miss out both players.
Botman may have been frustrated at not being able to leave Lille in January, but five months later he’s had his wish granted. Not only that, but Newcastle are in a much better position, and one that the 22-year-old will certainly be able to accustom too under better circumstances.
