Liverpool drop interest in Newcastle star after injury concern - Report
Upon becoming Newcastle United’s new sporting director, Ross Wilson knew he had a big job ahead of him in ensuring we keep key players at the club in 2026 and beyond.
And Wilson has wasted no time, it seems, with early talks taking place to hand Tino Livramento a new and improved deal following his impressive rise at St James' Park.
But, despite Wilson’s efforts, it won't stop interest emerging, with Man City eyeing Tino, Juventus linked with Sandro Tonali and Liverpool tracking Sven Botman.
However, it sounds like the latter won't be heading to Anfield anytime soon, as a new report explains.
Liverpool drop interest
According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Liverpool have cooled their interest in signing Sven Botman, having previously shortlisted the Dutchman as a centre-back target.
Botman has long been talked about as one of the best pure defenders in the Premier League, but recent injury woes have seen both his form and overall reputation take a big hit.
And it’s these fitness concerns that have impacted Liverpool’s supposed interest, with Ryder stating that Arne Slot’s side are now looking elsewhere for their long-term replacement for Botman’s compatriot Virgil Van Dijk.
Rather frustratingly, it’s a reported Toon target of our own that Liverpool have on their radar: Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, with the Colombian continuing to impress in both the Belgian top flight and the Champions League.
Does Botman have a future at Newcastle?
Still only 25-years-old, Botman may still have his prime years as a defender ahead of him, and on his day he’s far and away the best defensive option available to Eddie Howe.
His partnership with Malick Thiaw, with the pairing of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento earlier in the campaign was a sight to behold, but Botman’s injury issues derailed that and subsequently harmed our once-excellent defensive record.
Since the start of the 23/24 season, Botman has only made 48 appearances for us in all competitions. Considering our extensive cup runs and the demands of European football, that’s simply not good enough, even if Botman’s recurring injuries are out of his and the club’s control.
With his return to the first team squad imminent, how do we manage the star? His current deal expires in the summer of 2027, so if we’re looking to sell him for a significant profit and he doesn't sign a new contract, the next two transfer windows would be our last chance to land a big fee.
