Newcastle United have completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax, with the 18-year-old set to wear shirt number 14. The club confirmed the decision in a statement, ending speculation about his role at St James' Park.
Howe Confirms First Team Plans
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Steur will go straight into his first team squad. The move comes as Bruno Guimaraes' future at the club becomes uncertain, with Arsenal reportedly interested in the Brazilian international.
Speaking after the signing, Howe said: "We’re delighted to welcome Sean to Newcastle United – he’s a top young prospect that has already tasted Champions League and top-flight Dutch football. We see real potential in Sean and believe he has the characteristics to become a valuable player for us for years to come. That’s something we’re really excited by and look forward to working with him and helping him achieve his ambitions."
Steur's Background and Contract
Steur, capped by the Netherlands at Under-19s level, has penned a five-year deal at St James’ Park for an undisclosed fee. He becomes the club’s third senior arrival this summer, following the signings of French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure.
"It’s an incredible feeling to be here," Steur said. "It’s a giant club in the Premier League and it was always my dream to play in the best league in the world, so this is really exciting. I was at home at Ajax – I joined when I was seven and I leave with only good memories, but when a club like Newcastle comes for you, it’s really hard to say no."
Playing Style and Ambition
Steur described himself as a player who likes to get on the ball and play forward. "I’m happy playing between the lines and I feel I have a lot of energy in my game. I just want to win," he added.
Sporting Director Ross Wilson commented on the swift completion of the deal: "I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to conclude this deal so swiftly and make Sean a Newcastle United player. We’ve been aware of his talent for some time but so has the rest of European football, so it was vital that we were able to act diligently and give ourselves the best chance of getting Sean on board."
