Newcastle's Botman turned down Milan's offer for a whole-life dream

The 22-year-old Botman completed his medical on Tuesday and has signed a five-year contract. He is the third player Newcastle has brought in this summer after Matt Targett and Nick Pope. Newcastle United also wants to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies have been fighting with Italian powerhouses AC Milan to sign the Lille defender. Milan wanted to get both Botman and Renato Sanches from Lille as part of a double deal, but it looks like both players are getting away from them. Paris Saint-Germain stole their deal for Sanches as Eddie Howe’s side did the same with the Botman deal.

Interviewing

,

Sven Botman

revealed the elements behind his decision to join Newcastle United.

“In the end, the beautiful project of Newcastle United in combination with playing in the Premier League was decisive.

“The latter has actually been a dream my whole life. AC Milan also gave me a good feeling, but Newcastle United felt just a little better in the end."

Newcastle United

had to pay a hefty

to secure the signature of the defender from the Ligue 1 club, which is the highest figure ever paid for a defender by a club outside of the so-called big six.

"

This is how the football world has developed and how the transfer market works at the moment,

" Botman continued.

“I can't help that. And hopefully I'm still that sober boy from Badhoevedorp. That €40million does indicate how much Newcastle United wanted me.

"That gives me confidence and now it's up to me to repay that."

Botman hasn't won a senior cap for the Netherlands yet but has been in many senior squads.

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