Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch sends message as Newcastle finalise terms
Ryan Gravenberch has sent a message to Sven Botman after he agreed a new contract with Newcastle United.
Newcastle fans questioned Botman’s new deal, with the defender having suffered several injury issues over the past few seasons.
This campaign has been another difficult one for the 26-year-old, who spent a month out of action with a hamstring injury before returning against Leeds United.
Liverpool were monitoring Botman’s situation at Newcastle, given their own issues in the centre of defence.
Ibrahima Konate is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season, and Virgil van Dijk has not quite been at his best.
Ryan Gravenberch delighted for Sven Botman
Despite Liverpool‘s struggles this season, Gravenberch has continued to maintain a good level of performance.
The midfielder has played every single minute of all but three of the Reds’ Premier League games, and has been largely ever-present in the Champions League as well.
The Netherlands international lacks an obvious back-up, given that Wataru Endo has made just eight appearances across all competitions this season.
| Ryan Gravenberch | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 19 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Recoveries | 81 |
| Duels won | 89 |
The 32-year-old has spent the last month out with an ankle injury, but he was rarely selected by Arne Slot even when he was fit.
Luckily for Liverpool, however, Gravenberch has largely been able to stay fit this season.
The same cannot be said for Botman, who shared his thoughts on Monday following confirmation of his new Newcastle contract.
In a post made to Instagram, he wrote that he is “grateful, proud and blessed” to sign the new contract on what was his 26th birthday.
Netherlands teammate Gravenberch was in the comments, responding with a love heart and a bicep pump emoji to celebrate the news.
Jurrien Timber among several others to congratulate Botman
Arsenal and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber was among those to join Gravenberch in congratulating Botman on his new contract.
Newcastle teammates Joe Willock, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Aaron Ramsdale, among several others, also left celebratory messages.
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven left a fire emoji, and Sunderland man Reinilo, who spent time with Botman at Lille, also left an encouraging comment.
The 26-year-old’s new deal will keep him contracted at St James’ Park until at least the summer of 2030.