Sven Botman: Newcastle sign Netherlands Under-21 international defender from Lille

Newcastle United have completed a deal with Lille to sign defender Sven Botman for a fee of £32m with a further £2.5m in add-ons.

Dutchman Botman, 22, had his medical on Tyneside and agreed terms on a five-year contract earlier this week.

"I'm really happy, delighted, and I can't wait to start this new adventure," said Botman.

"This is the best day of my life, to sign a contract with Newcastle United. It's a day I've worked hard for."

Botman is Newcastle's third summer signing after they bought Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett for £15m and Burnley's England goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Centre-back Botman, who has been capped by Netherlands at under-21s level, had also attracted interest from AC Milan.

Newcastle also tried to sign him in January and, having finally landed his main summer target, manager Eddie Howe has strengthened his entire defence since taking charge last November.

Botman, who is 6ft 4in, made his way through the Ajax youth teams before completing a move to Ligue 1 side Lille in 2020 for £7.2m, where he made 79 appearances across all competitions.

"Newcastle had a long-term plan to get to the top, for both me and for the club, and they play in the Premier League which is the best league in Europe," he added.

"The whole package is just perfect. I'm looking forward now to meeting the fans and also my new team-mates."

Newcastle finished 11th in the Premier League last season and boss Eddie Howe added: "I'm delighted Sven is joining us. He is technically very good, physically very good and has a great attitude.

"At 22, he already has solid experience at the top level but he is at a great age to grow with this team.

"I'm looking forward to getting to work with him and seeing him with his new team-mates."