Liverpool are reportedly targeting Newcastle’s ‘monster’ defender, with the club potentially paying €30-35m for a January move. While the focus is on the player’s potential, sources suggest there’s still uncertainty over the exact transfer fee. Despite competition from other clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and PSG, Liverpool remain a key contender, and Cherki’s representatives are expecting a busy transfer window ahead.
Liverpool Target Newcastle ‘Monster’—Not Gordon
Jose Fonte, a former Premier League center-back and Euro 2016 winner, played alongside Botman at Lille for two seasons, securing the Ligue 1 title in their first year together.
In 2022, Botman followed Fonte’s path to England despite strong interest from AC Milan. The Dutch defender joined Newcastle for £35million, and during his first season, he was instrumental in securing Champions League qualification for the Magpies while also helping them achieve the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League.
However, the 24-year-old has struggled for game time since, as his second season on Tyneside was plagued by not one but two major knee injuries.
Botman suffered a partial ACL tear in September but chose not to undergo surgery, aiming to return by December. However, he struggled to regain his best form, leading to the need for surgery three months later.
The Ajax Academy graduate is nearing the end of his recovery and is expected to be available in January. Once he returns to action, Fonte believes Botman will regain his top form and could eventually step in as a potential replacement for van Dijk.
Van Dijk’s contract at Anfield expires next year when he turns 34.
“I’d love to see Sven Botman replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, and I think he has the ability to do it,” Fonte told JeffBet.
“We won the league together in France, and like Van Dijk, he is a monster. He is tall and very good in duels; he plays as the left center back, loves tackle, and is aggressive and young.
“I just hope that he can continue his progress after his injury and stay healthy; if he does that, then I’m sure he’ll be considered by Liverpool.”
Fonte’s comments follow Newcastle legend Alan Shearer’s comparison of Botman to Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.
Shearer told the Rest is Football Podcast: “He is the one that if he gets a run in the team, he is not far away; I think he is near full training, so he may be another month or five, six weeks away.
Shearer told the Rest is Football Podcast: “He is the one that if he gets a run in the team, he is not far away; I think he is near full training, so he may be another month or five, six weeks away.
Liverpool Told to Pay €30-35m for January Signing
Liverpool can secure Lyon’s Rayan Cherki for €30-35m in the January transfer window if they choose to intensify their pursuit of him.
According to Foot Mercato, although club sources currently disagree on the €5m discrepancy.
The website reports that the French club has set a price for Cherki as part of their efforts to secure major sales and raise the €100m needed to balance their finances and avoid a forced relegation to Ligue 2.
Les Gones have no intention of “giving away any gifts,” but they are willing to sell players, including Cherki, to address their financial issues.
They’ve already set a starting price on the midfielder at €30m, although some club sources are saying it will be €35m.
In any case, Liverpool is among the interested parties, with reports from England confirming this and Foot Mercato stating they have verified the information.
At the moment, they are only monitoring Cherki and haven’t made a move yet, but could face competition from Bayer Leverkusen, who are also interested. PSG remains keen on the 21-year-old as well.
It’s unclear whether Liverpool would be willing to pay €30m or €35m, but they are in the running, and the January transfer window is shaping up to be a busy period for Cherki and his representatives.
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