Eddie Howe backs 24-year-old Newcastle United man to become a Premier League great

Newcastle United have several world-class players in their side for the first time in years, decades even, and keeping hold of those stars is always going to be a point of contention.

Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are three players whose future at Newcastle are constantly under the spotlight as mainstream media and those not connected to Newcastle tend to still see the Magpies as minnows playing in the big pond.

However, Newcastle know that keeping those players is crucial to what they are building towards. Yes there will come a day when one or two will have to move on but that will come in the interest of bringing in better rather than any form of acceptance that they are too good for our club.

Another player on Newcastle's books who would likely be in that conversation were it not for injuries last season is Sven Botman.

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Newcastle beat AC Milan to Sven Botman's signature

Newcastle battled AC Milan for the Lille defender in 2022 eventually coming away with the £35 million Dutchman who instantly proved his worth in his first season at the club.

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old missed the bulk of last season with a knee issue which ultimately resulted in an ACL injury in April which is set to keep him out until the New Year.

However, when he returns to full fitness he has been backed to rediscover his form and once again show why he is so highly regarded.

Eddie Howe sees Sven Botman as a future Premier League legend

Eddie Howe recently told The Times that he believes Botman has what it takes to be an all-time great.

“[He] will go on to be remembered as one of the best centre-halves the Premier League has had.”

Yesterday former Southampton and Lille star Jose Fonte said he'd like to see Botman take over from Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool, which is a compliment to Botman but an insult to Newcastle.

Even Alan Shearer has dipped his toe in the waters of suggesting that other 'bigger' clubs could come knocking for Botman, saying so on The Rest Is Football podcast.

“If he can get a run in the team, he is the one that the big boys would be looking at. When you talk about Newcastle and PSR, and Bruno or Isak or whatever, he is another one. If he can get a run in the team, Botman, he could be a really big player.”