Newcastle: 'Exceptional' £35m star has 'big future' at St James' Park

Newcastle United signed Sven Botman for both now and the future, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Dutch defender has not yet managed to nail down a spot in Eddie Howe’s team, and it looks like he may have to wait a bit longer before becoming a regular at St James’ Park.

Much was expected of Botman following his move from Lille during the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old was in demand and ended up costing Newcastle £35m. Despite that, he has not been an automatic starter under Howe this term.

Out of the Magpies’ seven Premier League games so far, he has been named in Howe’s first XI four times.

Last time out, the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, Botman did not even make an appearance from off the bench, so it is clear to see that he is not the first name on his manager’s team sheet just yet.

O’Rourke thinks Botman needs time to settle and says he has always been a long-term signing for Newcastle.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “I think it’s hard to get into that team because their defensive record has been pretty good so far this season, keeping lots of clean sheets. So I think, like most summer signings, it’s going to take time for him to adapt to the new league, the new club, the new manager and what they want.

“Sven Botman is very much a signing for the future as well for Newcastle. He’s at a young age and I’m sure he will only get better, but he’ll be hoping that he can impress Eddie Howe and get back into that team as soon as possible.”

Having spent £35m on him, you would expect Howe to eventually give Botman, who has been described as an “exceptional centre-back talent” by football writer Matt Spiro, a regular place in the side.

Two of the games he has started in, the draws against Brighton and