Newcastle United are on the verge of completing the signing of teenage midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax in a deal worth up to £23 million, marking what could be one of the standout transfers of the summer window.
The 18-year-old Dutch youth international arrived on Tyneside on Tuesday evening and is finalising the remaining formalities before his move to St James' Park is confirmed. Steur is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Magpies, who have moved swiftly to secure his services after his breakthrough season in the Eredivisie.
Steur's Rapid Rise in the Netherlands
Steur burst onto the scene last season, making 26 senior appearances for Ajax despite the club's disappointing campaign. According to Dutch football expert Michael Bell, editor of Football Oranje and an avid Newcastle fan, Steur's emergence was not entirely unexpected. As with most talents in the Netherlands, they are known and have a name at a very young age and Steur has been tipped to make a breakthrough for years,
Bell told Chronicle Live. Ajax had a disappointing campaign last year and Steur got probably more minutes than he was expecting but he showed he is more than ready for the level.
Bell added that Steur is already being mentioned as a potential candidate for the Netherlands national team before the next World Cup. I think he was seen as the main man in the Ajax midfield for the next few years so think his departure has been met with sadness in Amsterdam but also some expected it due to his contract situation,
he said.
What Type of Player Is Steur?
Standing at six feet tall, Steur is described as a technically brilliant midfielder capable of playing in a deeper role or as a number eight. Bell outlined his attributes: He is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and can progress it through dribbling forward. He has a real eye for a pass but also does well in the defensive area in duels. At six ft he is no slouch and he can be a tempo controller if given plenty of the ball.
Despite his relative inexperience, Steur's underlying data and references have convinced Newcastle that he is an exciting acquisition. The Eredivisie may not be widely watched in England, but the club's scouting network has identified him as a player with significant potential.
Comparison with Kees Smit and Frenkie de Jong
Steur has been compared to AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, with some suggesting he could represent better value. Bell clarified the differences: They are different types of players and it really depends on what type of midfielder you are looking for. Steur does great work all over the pitch while Smit comes alive with his creativity going forward.
Bell noted that Smit is further ahead in his development but stressed that Steur's ceiling may be higher. I think Newcastle have been very clever as Steur has so much potential and getting him at €27million could be an absolute steal while Smit would cost at least double that at the moment.
As for comparisons to Frenkie de Jong, Bell acknowledged the similarities but urged caution. He is not an exact match to Frenkie de Jong and that comparison may be a bit unfair but he does have De Jong’s calmness in possession. For me he is the best of his age group at Ajax and he has the potential to be world class if he can develop properly,
Bell said.
Premier League Readiness and Role at Newcastle
Bell advised Newcastle fans to be patient with Steur as he adapts to the Premier League. I think Newcastle fans should be excited about his signing but also a little patient. He may need a little time to get used to the physicality of the Premier League but once he does he could be unstoppable,
he said. Bell expects Steur to feature regularly but not necessarily as an immediate starter. I think he will get plenty of minutes next season but maybe not as a starter straight away as I think Howe would give him time to adapt. I think his youthful enthusiasm could be a real boost to the Newcastle midfield.
