New young star was needed to rejuvenate an ageing squad

SVEN Botman became the first player under the age of 23 to sign for Newcastle United post-takeover. A long-winded transfer saga finally came to a close when the Magpies stumped up £32m for the coveted Dutch U21 international.

The arrival of Botman, 22, was certainly needed to rejuvenate an ageing Newcastle squad.

Including summer signings, the current first-team setup has an average age of 28.2. For context, only Burnley – who are no longer in the Premier League – had a higher average last season (28.8).

Defence was a particular cause for concern before the Dutchman’s arrival. Dan Burn (30), Fabian Schar (30), Kieran Trippier (31), Paul Dummett (30), Ciaran Clark (32) and Federico Fernandez (33) are all approaching the latter stages of their careers. Several players are still on the books who played a pivotal role in getting the club out of the Championship half a decade ago. Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle turn 33 in the autumn, while Jonjo Shelvey (30) remains a staple in the team. Even Callum Wilson and Chris Wood are on the wrong side of 30 but have immediate first-team futures on Tyneside.

Offloading players has proven difficult for Toon chiefs so far due to the favourable contracts dished out by the previous regime. Over time, the average age should dip as surplus players are released from their contracts.

Overhauling the squad was inevitable given the aspirations of the Saudi-backed ownership.

Doing so while keeping tabs on the average age of the squad is an area Eddie How will no doubt be mindful of.