Botman came off the bench in this afternoon’s 3-0 win over 1860 Munich in Austria. Newcastle signed the 22-year-old defender for £35million from Lille in earlier this month after failing to land him in January.
“Really pleased to get the deal done, it’s no secret we’ve been chasing him for a long time,” said head coach Howe. “Real ability, I think you saw that today.
“He’s a presence. He’s a really good size, his technical ability has been evident from day one in pre-season. His ability to play not just long passes, but short passes. He’s very, very composed. I think he’s settled in very well to the group. He’s a very likeable person, very laid back and calm.
“I’ve been very pleased with his impact on the group in a short period of time. I think he’ll be very pleased with today.”
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Mahrez pens new deal
Riyad Mahrez has signed a new two-year contract extension at Manchester City. (Various) | Getty Images
2. Everton working on Cornet deal
Everton are working on a deal to sign Maxwel Cornet from Burnley. (The Athletic) | Getty Images
3. Man Utd plot Clauss swoop
Chelsea could face competition from Manchester United in the race for £8m Lens defender Jonathan Clauss. (Evening Standard) | AFP via Getty Images
4. Toon open to Fekir swoop
Newcastle United would be willing to try to sign Real Betis midfielder Nabil Fekir this summer. (Fichajes) | Getty Images