Sven Botman bids farewell after confirmed Newcastle exit news
Callum Wilson and Sven Botman were frequent visitors to the Newcastle United treatment room last season.
Eddie Howe‘s side suffered from a lack of adequate squad depth in 2023–24 and were dumped out of the Champions League at the first attempt, but last season saw them bounce back in some style.
The departures of fringe players and Botman and Wilson‘s lengthy absences didn’t affect Newcastle’s stride as they won the EFL Cup and finished fifth, returning to the Champions League in the process.
Newcastle are expected to strengthen significantly this summer in order to avoid a group-stage exit this time around, and reinforcements will be needed to complement Alexander Isak up front next season.
Callum Wilson exit confirmed at Newcastle
Wilson’s future has been a point of contention after several injury-hit seasons at St. James’ Park, and the 33-year-old started just three times in all competitions last term while being limited to 22 appearances.
Isak’s place as Newcastle’s number one striker is assured and qualification for the Champions League will strengthen their ability to keep hold of him this summer, but a need for more depth is now clear.
Newcastle are down to just Isak and William Osula as options up front after Wilson’s exit at the end of his contract was confirmed by the club on Monday, leading to several tributes from his former team-mates.
Botman also spent plenty of time in the treatment room last season and made just 10 appearances in all competitions, and posted on his Instagram story (7 July) to say: “One of the purest persons I ever met, a true friend for life.
“See you soon bro, good luck in your next chapter.”
Newcastle to step up striker chase amid Wilson exit
Football Insider Verdict
Wilson’s departure has been in the post at St. James’ Park for some time, with his appearances and goalscoring output on the decline for the last three consecutive seasons in an ever-improving side.
Newcastle could sign another free-agent striker in the form of ex-Everton man Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but his own injury record makes for grim reading if the Magpies are hoping for a reliable back-up to Isak.
Playing second-fiddle to one of the world’s leading strikers could be a hard sell for players Newcastle are interested in, and the Magpies will need to step up their negotiation skills if they’re to take the next step this summer.