Liverpool Are Set To Rival Chelsea For This Newcastle United Defender: Good Choice For Slot? | OneFootball

In a recent edition of the Daily Briefing, journalist Mark Brus claimed that Liverpool are set to rival Chelsea for Newcastle United defender Sven Botman. It is believed that the Reds are eyeing a move to bring the Dutch centre-back to Anfield next year.

Botman’s Impressive Form In The Premier League

Botman has made a decent start to this campaign as he has produced a series of impressive performances for the Magpies on the defensive end of the field. The 25-year-old has featured in 13 matches for Newcastle United this season across all fronts.

The Dutch talent has been a good performer on the defensive end of the field and deserves credit for making six tackles, ten blocks, six interceptions and 36 clearances in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back, based on his pass completion rate of 85.7% in the English top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at St. James’ Park will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, Liverpool could potentially land him on a cut-price deal at the end of this campaign.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Sven Botman of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Newcastle United FC and Athletic Club at St James’ Park on November 05, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Will Botman Be A Good Choice For Liverpool?

Botman is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn possession back for his side on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and excels at playing his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.93m, the Dutch sensation can use his strong frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air and can make some crucial last-ditch blocks as well. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Liverpool.

Botman would add more bite and steel to Arne Slot’s defence. He is good enough to challenge for regular first-team football at the Merseyside club in the coming years.

At 25, Botman has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Reds to consider this January or at the end of this campaign. With all things considered, Slot would be wise to go all out to get a deal done for him in 2026.