Newcastle: £35m star will now be ‘slightly concerned’ at St James’ Park | OneFootball

Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman will be ‘slightly concerned‘ with his position in Eddie Howe’s squad after falling down the pecking order at St James’ Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies have made a solid start to the new Premier League season after a summer transfer window that saw the club spend over £120 million.

What is the latest on Botman?

The 22-year-old made the move to the North East from Ligue 1 side Lille, penning a five-year contract after a £35 million deal was agreed.

After the transfer was confirmed, Botman described it as the ‘best day of his life’ and that he was ‘very excited’ about the new challenge.

However, he is yet to become a mainstay in Howe’s line-up, starting four of their seven Premier League matches so far this season.

He has otherwise been limited to a cameo appearance against Nottingham Forest on the opening day and was left on the bench for clashes with Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Howe has since suggested that the experience of Dan Burn appeals to him at this stage, bumping Botman down the pecking order.

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What has O’Rourke said on Botman?

The journalist suggests that the 12-cap Netherlands under-21 international will be concerned with his limited role at St James’ Park.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure he’ll be slightly concerned. No player doesn’t want to be playing games. Obviously he came with a big reputation when Newcastle signed him in the summer. They beat a number of top clubs to his signature. So he will obviously not be happy that he’s not playing in Eddie Howe’s team right now as well.”

What has Howe said about Botman?

After sealing a deal for the defender, the Newcastle boss expressed his excitement at his latest acquisition.

He said he was ‘delighted’ the transfer had been completed, also praising his technical ability, physique and attitude.

However, Howe also expressed that the youngster was at an age where he could ‘grow with the team’, perhaps hinting that he would not be regularly involved from the get-go.

Given his relatively young age, easing him into a new league gradually could help him adapt more efficiently as well as easing the pressure on his shoulders when playing in front of a crowd who are starting to expect a lot.

In Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn, he has three players with a raft of Premier League experience to learn from, so it is certainly not time to worry just yet for Botman.