Milan’s deal to sign Sven Botman from Lille is in jeopardy due to a mega offer from Newcastle, according to reports.
The defender has been a long-term target for Rossoneri and was thought to be arriving this summer.
But Calciomercato.com write that, while Milan have struck a deal with the Netherlands international, Newcastle’s offer is superior and it could change the situation dramatically.
The Premier League side were have extreme financial power after being bought by a Saudi Arabian consortium towards the end of 2021.
Seemingly braced for a relegation scrap, they bought in quality players in January such as Bruno Guimaraes which led to a dramatic improvement and mid-table finish.
Milan are also likely to have new owners soon with investment firm Reb Bird poised to take over control of the club.
The Rossoneri are hoping to use their recent success as a springboard and become more competitive in the Champions League with a successful summer transfer window.
ESCLUSIVO: il #Newcastle è tornato alla carica per #Botman con una offerta superiore a quella del #Milan. Il giocatore ha accordo con il club rossonero, ma questa nuova offensiva può cambiare la storia con il #Lille
— Daniele Longo (@86_longo) May 27, 2022
If he is stupid enough to go to Newcastle and play at least the next 3 to 4 years out of the Champions League while he has already tasted it last season, then he should. To each his own I guess. We’ll actually be fine without a new defender.
@Mikkel your ignorance is bordering on stupidity! How has a football transfer got anything to do with a football transfer. Such an ignorant fool
Personally, I would not mind if Botman did go to Newcastle, we have shown the second half of this season that the first choice partnership will be Tomori alongside Kalulu/Kjaer. With one of these as second choice and then Gabbia in the mix, we have enough cover at centre back and can utilise these funds elsewhere in the team/squad, i.e. a right sided midfielder/number 10
It’s the players will that will dictate where he goes. Nothing new here. Newcastle outbid us before and always will. It’s up to the player who he wants to play for
Blessing in disguise I say. Let the Tomori-Kalulu partnership continue and flourish. We also have Kjaer coming back, and while we’re going to lose Romagnoli people have forgotten we still own Caldara, who could remain for his final contract year and be a useful no. 4 option (people also forget he’s been capped by Italy and is a decent defender when healthy). Let’s take that Botman money and spend it where we really need it at ST and RW!
But aren’t Lille and Milan owned by the same people? Or are NUFC speaking the language Yanks understand – ££££££££ –
I’m all for preserving the Tomori/Kalulu partnership in the starting lineup. I’m OK with signing a reliable back up in case one of them is out. Kjaer is there of course but he’s not getting younger, and we’re going to need someone with pace. Deosn’t have to be Botman.
This is an interesting dilemma,if he comes to Milan it’s good, but clearly the Kalulu and tomori partnership is working perfectly, if he goes to Newcastle, then he should prepare himself for 4 to 5 years without playing in the UCL.
If he were to come to Milan, it would be wonderful to switch to 3 at the back, he and Tomori on the sides, with Kalulu in the middle, with his composure and ball playing skills that would be lovely.
But Boatman should be wise and think carefully what he wants, Milan is opening a new circle, they have a very good and young team that needs few additions at it’s going to fly, Newcastle on the other hand needs at least 3 to 4 years before they can begin to crack the European and UCL spots, and if it’s solely because of the lifestyle and quality of life then Milan is a far better city to live in , rather than Newcastle, Lombardy has a charm, beauty and opulence you would find very hard to get in England, so he should be smart about it, and choose wisely, it’s like choosing between a Range Rover Vogue and a Vauxhall Crossland…
@Muzzafar The Saudi state own Newcastle, therefore, staff (players, management) cannot distance themselves from such a regime. Arguments regarding morality (absolutism, relativism, consequentialism) can be made for/against the regime, but it would be foolish to deny that the Saudi State causes a dilemma for players. It’s understandable that some would refuse to play for NUFC
I say Botman is still joining us at Mila. If he doesn’t, well, it’s his loss.
If we still need a CB , get Bremer.
If not Tomori, Kalulu, Kjaer, Gabbia and either Romagnoli or Primavera CB.