Features
Factfile: Sven Botman
Following Sven Botman's transfer from LOSC Lille to Newcastle United, we take a further look at the profile of the highly-rated 22-year-old defender.
- Born in Badhoevedorp in the Netherlands, Botman began his career at AFC Ajax, joining their famous academy at the age of nine.
- After progressing through Ajax's youth set-up, the centre-back made his first-team debut at the age of 18 in a pre-season friendly before making his professional debut for their reserve team, Jong Ajax, in August 2018.
- Still a teenager, Botman ventured out on loan to Dutch side SC Heerenveen, playing every minute of the club's 2019/20 Eredivisie campaign as well as achieving a top-ten finish.
- After 11 years at Ajax, Botman departed the Dutch giants in the summer of 2020, signing for French side Lille on a five-year deal.
The tall defender, standing at 6'4", played 37 of Lille's 38 Ligue 1 matches in his debut season, recording 20 clean sheets as well as conceding just 23 goals, as Les Dogues won their first French league title for a decade.
- The Dutchman gained experience at European level during his two seasons with Lille, reaching the Europa League round of 32 in 2020/21 before qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages the following term, exiting at the last-16 stage to Chelsea.
- Botman has represented the Netherlands from under-15 to under-21 level and was called up to the senior squad for the first time in November 2020 although the promising defender is awaiting his first international cap for Holland.
