Newcastle United turn down approach from Champions League rival for Sven Botman – Report | OneFootball

It has now been reported in Germany that Newcastle United had an approach for Sven Botman from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bundesliga club lost defender Piero Hincapie to Arsenal and Kicker report that their information is that Bayer Leverkusen then tried to sign the Newcastle defender to replace him.

However, the German media outlet state that Newcastle United made clear that Sven Botman was going nowhere.

Eddie Howe’s side play against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday 10 December 2025 (see below), in the sixth round of matches.

Sven Botman is a top class defender and was part of the best defence in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, as Newcastle only conceded 33 league goals.

With injury and fitness issues badly impacting the past two seasons, it will be a huge boost for Eddie Howe if the Dutch defender can stay fit and available this season.

Sven Botman was named in the 21 man ‘A’ List Newcastle United Champions League squad this past week and there would have been zero chance of Eddie Howe considering any deadline day deal that would have seen Botman leave St James’ Park.

The Mag report – 30 August 2025:

The Newcastle United Champions League fixtures have now been revealed.

The times and dates of all eight league matches.

UEFA announcing them on Saturday morning.

The draw having taken place on Thursday in Monaco, all 36 clubs finding out which eight teams they would play.

Four at home and four away.

Newcastle United facing two from each of the four pots..

Thursday 18th September: Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona (kick-off 8pm BST)

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (kick-off 5:45pm BST)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (kick-off 8pm BST)

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (kick-off 8pm BST)

Tuesday 25th November: Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United (kick-off 8pm BST)

Wednesday 10th December: Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United (kick-off 8pm BST)