AC Milan's attempts to sign Sven Botman failed as Newcastle have eventually been able to snatch him from Lille by offering a higher transfer fee. The player signed on a new deal until June 2027.
Despite Financial Fair Play regulations somewhat tempering Newcastle's spending capacity, the backing of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) proved decisive in this deal. The Rossoneri, despite being Serie A champions, were not able to match the financial offer made by the English.
Sven Botman's agents have even decided to give additional time to Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara to try and strike an agreement with Lille, writes The Athletic.
Chris Waugh of The Athletic added the following:
"Milan’s impending takeover by RedBird Capital Partners complicated matters for them, however, and, while Paolo Maldini, the technical director, was adamant they needed Botman, other board members did not believe it prudent to recruit an expensive centre-back, particularly given Pierre Kalulu’s rise. And, with Lille keen to resolve Botman’s future by June 30, Milan had to pull out, even if there remained a slight lingering concern on Tyneside that Maldini’s keenness could lead to an 11th-hour hijack... Milan’s much-admired data team had their interest piqued, but Newcastle’s recruitment department believe Botman is primed for English football due to his aerial dominance, passing ability and physicality."
Massimo Ambrosini (March 2022):
“We must give credit to Paolo [Maldini]. Speaking with him, even off camera, he tells me: ‘Kalulu has become a serious player. So why do I have to spend money to get one?,”
Apparently, the Media want Botman at Milan but Maldini didn’t approve of the deal.