Sven Botman plays down January signings amid Newcastle injury concerns

Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has delivered a firm message on the club’s January transfer approach, insisting he sees “no reason” for Newcastle to dip into the market despite mounting injury concerns in defence.

With less than two weeks remaining before the February 2 deadline, Newcastle are yet to make a winter signing. That restraint has become familiar on Tyneside. Since Botman joined the club in the summer of 2022, Newcastle have made only one major January addition, when Anthony Gordon arrived from Everton in 2023 for £45m.

Head coach Eddie Howe has not fully ruled out late activity, but his recent comments suggested the club may again rely on internal solutions. Speaking to The Gazette, Howe pointed to returning players rather than new arrivals.

“Certainly they will feel like new signings for us,” Howe said, referencing the imminent return of Dan Burn and the recovery of William Osula. “Especially Dan, because there’s a real positional need there.

“But there’s still time [to make signings], and it’s still relatively unknown in terms of what direction we will take.”

Burn’s return is expected to ease immediate pressure, but Newcastle’s defensive depth remains thin.

Botman is currently one of only four fit senior defenders available to Howe. Fabian Schär is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, while Tino Livramento is set to miss several weeks due to a hamstring problem. Emil Krafth has also been unavailable since November with a knee issue.

Botman himself has endured repeated injury setbacks in recent seasons and only recently returned from a back problem, yet he remains relaxed about Newcastle’s situation at the back.

The Dutch international, who recently committed his future to the club with a new long-term deal, believes familiarity and cohesion outweigh the need for fresh faces.

“I think we are used to each other,” Botman said. “So whoever is in the back four, it doesn’t really matter in terms of the relationship.

“Sometimes, with load and fitness, it’s not ideal, but we are all proud and happy to play for this club and we just give it our all.”

Asked directly about January reinforcements, Botman was clear.

“We have a really good squad,” he added. “Of course, we’ve had problems with injuries, especially in defence, but when everyone’s fit we are really strong.

“Maybe there’s something happening behind the scenes, or maybe not, but myself, I don’t see any reason why we have to sign a new player now.”

Newcastle’s confidence in their existing group comes after a club-record summer spend of around £250m. Major arrivals included Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, whose combined fees accounted for nearly half of that outlay.

“They are both great players,” Botman said. “The best is still to come. Every player is growing here. They need time to adapt to the tactics, and the team needs to adapt to them too.”

In a market where panic buying is common, Newcastle’s reluctance to act reflects long-term planning rather than short-term fear. Botman’s comments reinforce a culture built on continuity and belief — one the club hope will pay dividends once their injury list eases.

With Burn close to returning and several players working back from injury, Newcastle appear set to stay patient unless circumstances change dramatically. Any late-window move would likely be reactive rather than strategic.

For now, the message from within the squad is clear: trust the group already in place.

Should Newcastle stick with their current squad or add defensive cover before the deadline?