Sven Botman joined Newcastle United despite stiff competition from newly crowned Italian League Champions AC Milan in the summer of 2022.

The capture of Sven, Eddie Howe's primary transfer target, was a real coup for the Magpies and was arguably their stellar signing of that window, the first summer window under the new Saudi ownership.

Touted as being the hottest young centre half on the market the transfer fee was significant of course and would take a large chunk of the summer budget with Nick Pope and Matt Targett having already joined (the latter on a permanent deal following a 5 month successful loan spell).

At the time of joining Sven had been capped at every level 'other' than at Senior level, but it won't be long before that will change.

The signing felt hugely important. Almost £40m on a centre half a world away from churning out the same Championship level back four for the many seasons before.