Milan have recently been linked with Lille centre back Sven Botman, but who is the 21-year-old Dutch defender?
Botman is a product of Ajax’s youth system, joining the club at the age of 9. He spent 11 years in the youth system before making 28 league appearances for Jong Ajax. After an impressive season on loan with SC Heerenveen in the 2019/20 season, he joined Ligue 1 side Lille in a deal worth around €8-9m in the summer of 2020.
In his first season with Lille, the Dutch centre back made 47 appearances across all competitions, starting in all but one league matches that campaign as the team went on to win Ligue 1 for the first time in a decade. He was a key part of the squad and was consistent at the back, impressive for a young defender.
This season Botman has remained a consistent performer, being one of the few bright spots in a sluggish Lille squad. He missed six games earlier this campaign due to a groin injury but is now seemingly back to full fitness.
The 21-year-old Dutch defender is good with the ball at his feet; this season he has averaged 65.66 passes per 90 minutes, with 87.8% of them being completed. He has also averaged 4.03 progressive passes per 90, playing an important role as the team play out from the back.
The player is also decent at both blocking and clearing the ball, although his tackling and ability to apply pressure both leave a little to be desired. Botman works well with a strong and physical centre back, allowing him to focus more on playing with the ball. He is also well disciplined, only picking up two yellow cards in Ligue 1 last season and one so far this campaign.
It is a perfect signing for milan to replace kjaer as soon as possible.
I doubt we can afford him, and in my opinion signing an attacking midfielder is more of a priority for us anyway.
I believe one of him or Renato will end up joining Milan by the end of the season given the recent transfer history of both clubs