This 25-Year-Old Newcastle United Star Is On Liverpool’s Shortlist: Should The Magpies Sell Him? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s defensive situation has worsened after Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury. The summer signing picked up the issue during the Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The young defender made his debut in that match but will miss several months after undergoing surgery.

As a result, Liverpool now face a shortage in defence, with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez their only senior centre-backs. As Arne Slot’s side needs urgent defensive depth and due to Botman’s proven consistency, Liverpool’s growing interest in the Dutch defender makes sense. According to Chronicle Live, the Reds have identified Sven Botman as one of their January targets.

Should Newcastle United sell Sven Botman?

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 01: Sven Botman of Newcastle United looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)

However, Newcastle United are unlikely to sell him midway through the season, especially with their ambitions still alive in domestic and European competitions. Although Financial Fair Play rules might push the Magpies to sell players, selling Sven Botman now would be short-sighted.

His market value stands at around €42 million, slightly higher than the €37 million Newcastle United paid. However, the short-term profit would come at the cost of squad stability. Moreover, if the Magpies sell the 25-year-old to Liverpool, a direct rival, would weaken Newcastle and directly boost a competitor.

The club has opened talks for a new contract, and displayed their clear intent to keep Botman long-term. Eddie Howe values the Dutch defender highly and considers him a crucial part of his plans. Although Newcastle United may need to sell players later to meet financial rules, selling Botman mid-season would break the team’s rhythm.

While player sales are a normal part of football, if the club rushes into this sale, then it could harm Newcastle’s progress. If the Magpies hold firm on his future, then that supports that vision and helps the Magpies maintain their progress. With Newcastle United monitoring Endrick ahead of January and reports that Newcastle United want to bring Rúben Neves back to English football, it’s clear that their focus remains on building for sustained success rather than dismantling key pieces of the squad.