Sven Botman told to leave Newcastle United once nine-month ACL injury heals
Former Southampton defender Jose Fonte has urged Sven Botman to replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.
As it stands, the Dutchman is inching towards a Newcastle United return, having not played since the 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in March. Botman underwent ACL surgery to resolve an issue that had niggled him throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
Eddie Howe revealed last month that the centre-back is making progress and should return around Christmas. He told reporters: “He’s hitting the right strength markers, he’s looking really good.
“We probably won’t see him training until after the next international break. He is closing in but it’s a long road. The reality is we’re probably looking more towards Christmas time."
However, an ex-Premier League star believes Botman should look to jump ship when he returns. Fonte, who played alongside Van Dijk at Southampton, has tipped Botman as heir to the Liverpool throne.
At 33, Van Dijk remains the division’s best defender and is part of a backline that has conceded just six times this season. Fonte told JeffBet: “I’d love to see Sven Botman replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and I think he has the ability to do it.
“We won the league together in France and like Van Dijk, he is a monster. He is tall, very good in duels, he plays as the left centre back, he loves a tackle, he’s aggressive and still young.
“I just hope that he can continue his progress after his injury and stay healthy, if he does that then I’m sure he’ll be considered by Liverpool.”