Leeds are looking to make bids for the stars as Newcastle are linked with Pascal Struijk
Newcastle United are now lining up a star-studded bid to sign a Premier League rival to replace injured defender Sven Botman this summer.
Newcastle are planning a move to replace Botman
No one can deny Botman’s quality. When fit, the Dutchman is one of the key players at St James’ Park, but there is a catch. He can’t stay fit long enough to make a lasting impact and after a difficult season, it’s time for Newcastle to get brutal this summer.
Suffering a facial injury against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby last time out, Botman is set to be sidelined for several weeks – leaving Eddie Howe scrambling for options once again.
|
Sven Botman injury history |
|
|---|---|
|
Back problems (25/26) |
Missed 2 games |
|
Hamstring injury (25/26) |
He missed 9 games |
|
Knee problems (24/25) |
He missed 7 games |
|
Broken kneecap (24/25) |
He missed 5 games |
|
ACL (23/24) |
He missed 28 games |
|
The sum |
He missed 51 games |
As good as Botman is, there’s no use for that quality when he’s missed 51 games over the past three seasons. It is clear that Newcastle have a decision to make this summer.
The big question is who will replace the central defender. The rumor mill is already going into overdrive ahead of the transfer window, with names like Alessandro Buongiorno threatening to steal the headlines.
The Napoli defender is short on experience and the fact he shares an agent with Sandro Tonali could give the Magpies an unexpected boost.
Newcastle have now entered the race to sign a “Pogba-esque” £52m replacement for Tonali
The future of Sandro Tonali is in doubt.
He’s not alone, though. It will have to be a big summer for those on Tyneside after such a difficult season where their employment is in doubt.
Therefore, they can welcome a Premier League opponent. According to Sports Boom, Pascal Struijk is one of their “plans” to replace Botman this summer. Leeds United, on the other hand, are the subject of interest, but would willingly accept the offer from the ‘stars’.
The wanted Struijk will replace Botman immediately
Having played his part in Leeds’ impressive campaign, as they edge closer to Premier League survival, it is no surprise that there is interest in Struijk.
Both Aston Villa and Tottenham have reportedly joined Newcastle in the race to sign the defender after Leeds admitted a star bid could force their hand in the coming months.
When it comes to replacing Botman, Struijk is again a strong candidate. He is still only 26 years old and has become the top flight center back this summer.
|
Figures PL 25/26 |
Struijk |
Botman |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,431 |
1,208 |
|
Fighting |
30 |
14 |
|
Duel Success |
55.6% |
65% |
|
Recovery |
101 |
62 |
What is important is that the numbers show how often Struijk has been available at Elland Road compared to Newcastle’s Botman this season. The summer target played almost 1,000 more minutes than the Dutchman.
Leeds manager, Daniel Farke, known as “outstanding” in August, all signs point to a big move for Struijk sometime in the coming years.
Newcastle could see £52m bid accepted for new signing Elliot Anderson
Newcastle United are reportedly looking to sign a star player who could be Eddie Howe’s next Elliot Anderson.
Whether that move comes for Newcastle as soon as this summer remains to be seen, but there is no denying that he will be an upgrade on Howe.
