Following their disappointing defeat in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Manchester City, Newcastle’s woes continued to mount as they now face the prospect of being without their reliable Dutch defender Sven Botman for a lengthy period of “six to nine months”.
Botman, who made the switch from Lille to Newcastle for a hefty fee of around €40m (£34.2m) in June 2022, was forced to leave the pitch late in the game after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament.
This setback adds to Botman’s previous injury struggles this season, having already missed 17 games, including the final five matches of the Champions League group stage, due to a knee injury suffered in September.
Manager Eddie Howe has had to contend with a string of injuries to key players throughout the campaign, including goalkeeper Nick Pope, winger Harvey Barnes, and forwards Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Joelinton, and Joe Willock.
With Botman ruled out for the rest of the season and possibly part of the following season, Newcastle will be looking to bolster their defensive options in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Here are seven potential defenders the Magpies could target:
- Ousmane Diomande: A rising star at just 20 years old, Diomande has impressed at Sporting CP with his athleticism and technical abilities, making him a top prospect in world football.
- Lloyd Kelly: The versatile defender has struggled with injuries at Bournemouth but could provide a reliable option for Newcastle if they move quickly to secure his signature.
- Jules Kounde: Barcelona’s financial troubles could see them part ways with Kounde, presenting an opportunity for Newcastle to sign the talented French defender.
- Goncalo Inacio: A product of the Sporting academy, Inacio has been a consistent performer for the Portuguese side and could be a solid option for Newcastle’s defense.
As Newcastle looks to regroup and strengthen their squad, securing a new defender will be crucial in filling the void left by the absence of Sven Botman.
