Sven Botman’s resurgence at Newcastle United has not gone unnoticed, with both Liverpool and Chelsea keeping a close watch on his situation.
After enduring two frustrating, injury-hit seasons, the Dutch centre-back has finally regained his rhythm, rediscovering the composure and authority that first made him a key figure at St James’ Park.
His form has been one of the bright spots in Newcastle’s campaign, and his partnership with Malick Thiaw has restored the team’s defensive stability.
Despite his excellent performances, Botman’s future has become a topic of quiet discussion behind the scenes. His current contract runs until 2027, but with growing interest from Premier League rivals and his importance to Eddie Howe’s squad, Newcastle are already considering extending his deal.
At the moment, he earns around £90,000 per week modest by the club’s current standards and well below the wages of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton, who all take home about £150,000 a week.
Sources close to the player in the Netherlands have indicated that there are no active talks about a renewal yet, though that situation could change in the coming weeks.
With Ross Wilson now in place as sporting director, one of his first major responsibilities will be to secure key players like Botman for the long term.
The Dutchman has made it clear he is happy at Newcastle and settled in the city, enjoying his football again after the setbacks of the previous two seasons.
However, that hasn’t stopped other clubs from circling. Liverpool boss Arne Slot reportedly sees Botman as a perfect fit for his defensive system a composed, intelligent defender who reads the game well and stays calm under pressure.
With Liverpool still searching for a long-term solution in central defence after missing out on Marc Guehi last summer, Botman has emerged as one of their top targets. Chelsea, too, have been monitoring him for some time, viewing him as a potential pillar for their rebuilding project.
For now, Newcastle remain in a strong position. With Botman under contract until 2027, there’s no immediate risk of losing him, and the club are expected to open negotiations when the time feels right.
Eddie Howe has made it clear that while player futures are important, the current focus is entirely on the season ahead. Speaking to Chronicle Live, Howe explained that Wilson’s arrival has allowed him to step back from the business side and concentrate on managing the team.
“Those discussions are ongoing all the time now,” he said. “Now we have Ross here, which is a great thing for me. It allows me not to engage in those conversations too often because Ross will be speaking to the board and the appropriate people throughout the season.”
Howe added that with the season in full swing, his players remain fully focused on delivering their best performances rather than thinking about contracts.
“The players’ minds have been very good and focused,” he said. “If they continue to perform the way they are, their futures will take care of themselves.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle continue to monitor potential attacking reinforcements, including Brentford’s in-form striker Igor Thiago. The Brazilian forward has been in excellent scoring form, netting against both West Ham and Liverpool in recent weeks.
However, Brentford are reluctant to sell and are already making it known that Thiago is not for sale. Having paid around £30 million for him, the Bees are expected to demand at least double that amount if any serious offers arrive.
With Tottenham and Aston Villa also showing interest, Brentford may find it difficult to keep hold of the 24-year-old if his form continues.
Off the pitch, Newcastle’s festive schedule has also seen some adjustments. Their highly anticipated Boxing Day clash with Manchester United has been rescheduled from December 27 to December 26, with kickoff set for 8 p.m.
It will be the only Premier League fixture on that night. The league explained that the change was due to fixture congestion caused by expanded European competitions, which have shortened the domestic calendar.
A Premier League statement expressed its commitment to preserving Boxing Day traditions, saying that next season would see a fuller schedule, as the date falls on a Saturday.
The statement also confirmed that special arrangements had been made to allow players more rest during the congested festive period, ensuring no team plays twice within 60 hours.
As for Botman, his focus remains firmly on Newcastle’s ambitions. He’s back to full fitness, playing with confidence, and contributing to a team that’s steadily regaining its rhythm. While big clubs may come calling, those close to the player insist he feels at home on Tyneside part of a project that’s building toward something special.
With the fans behind him, a manager who trusts him, and a new sporting director keen to secure his future, Newcastle’s priority is clear: keep their defensive rock where he belongs.
For Botman, the message seems simple—his best football is still ahead of him, and Newcastle United intend to make sure it happens in black and white.
