Newcastle United head into this summer with a few problems.
The Magpies need to strengthen their squad after missing out on Europe this year, but, unfortunately, they also need to sell a few players to balance the books.
The likes of Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron have been tipped to leave Newcastle this summer, while there have also been some suggestions that Newcastle will have to sell one of their bona fide stars.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk Podcast, Pete Graves has been discussing who Newcastle could sell, and he says that the one star name he’s worried about is Sven Botman.
Pete Graves worried about Sven Botman
Graves spoke about the ‘brilliant’ defender and a potential move away from Newcastle.
“Does Sven Botman worry me a little bit? Maybe. They spent big money on him him, he’s done a fantastic job, had injury problems last season. You see the links with Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo. Is there a possibility that if they were to sell one of the blue chip players, he would be the one I think maybe,” Graves said.
Botman won’t be easy to replace
It would be a real dagger blow if Newcastle were to lose Botman this summer.
The Dutch defender, when he’s fit, is one of the very best in the Premier League, and it would be very difficult to replace him if he were sold.
Of course, balancing the books is important, so this sale may be necessary, but it’s hard to picture how Newcastle come out of this summer as a stronger side if they do end up selling Botman.
The defender is a key cog in Eddie Howe’s footballing machine, and while the likes of Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo would make for exciting signings, Botman is another level above those two.