Newcastle United are set to confirm the arrival of Ajax teenager Sean Steur imminently, with the Dutch youth international arriving in a deal worth up to £23m. Steur was undergoing a medical on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as the Magpies' third signing of the summer after the arrivals of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade Reims and winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim.
Newcastle's Youth-First Transfer Strategy
All three players are aged 20 or younger, and with Newcastle also chasing the £43m signing of Switzerland's 20-year-old superstar Johan Manzambi, the club could be spending around £133m on young talents. This marks a significant shift in transfer policy, moving away from competing with the big six for established stars.
The Magpies were burnt last summer by trying to compete with top clubs for players and were consistently beaten to targets. They also spent an entire summer running away from selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool before finally succumbing to a deadline day move which saw the Swedish international depart for a British record transfer fee of £125m.
Financial Realities Drive Policy Change
Almost five years into PIF-backed ownership, Newcastle have made strides commercially to improve their revenue, but the gap between themselves and the big six remains huge. Without Champions League finances, bridging that gap becomes even harder under current spending rules. Newcastle have brought in a combined £175m including add-ons for the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon and have set about reinvesting it in players with high potential and huge sell-on value.
Sporting director Ross Wilson has recognised the value in finding players outside the Premier League and investing resources to do that well. It is a risk but can work, as Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth have proven. The club believe Eddie Howe and his coaching staff can improve these players to take them to the next level.
Experience Deficit Raises Concerns
But in the here and now, there are genuine fears it leaves Newcastle looking a little inexperienced. Of the six-man leadership group last season, Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles have left, and Nick Pope could follow. Jacob Murphy shouldn't get in the strongest XI, and there is an argument England World Cup hero Dan Burn wouldn't either aged 34. Joelinton will be 30 by the time the season kicks off, and Fabian Schar (34), Yoane Wissa (29), and Harvey Barnes (28) will be elder statesmen.
Say the outfield XI vs Liverpool is Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Miley, Manzambi; Elanga, Toure, Osula — barring Guimaraes, there is not much experience or leadership. When Howe decided not to start any of his leadership group in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at home last season, it was one of the most rudderless performances of the season.
The £25m Dilemma: Experience vs. Resale Value
For example, Newcastle are in the market for a right-back this summer. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be available at around £25m from West Ham United. The former Manchester United defender would bring vast Premier League experience, has just shone in the World Cup with DR Congo, and is excellent defensively, even if limited going forward. He would be perfect competition for Livramento, who missed over half of Newcastle's games last season through injury, but at 28 and little sell-on value, it would likely not be a deal the Magpies would consider.
That is not to say that is the right or wrong thing to do, but it illustrates there perhaps has to be an exception to the rule. Experienced heads to guide Newcastle's young stars are needed. The shift in transfer policy has been much needed, but Newcastle have to get the balance right. An experienced arrival — at the right price or if the opportunity presents itself — alongside some of the young talent already through the door would not go amiss.
