Newcastle have signed Ajax teenager Sean Steur for a fee that could rise to £23million.
The midfielder made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Amsterdammers last season after joining the club’s academy in 2016.
Steur, 18, becomes Newcastle’s third arrival this summer, following goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and winger Bazoumana Traore who came through the door at St James’ Park.
The Dutch under-19 international told the club’s official website: “It’s an incredible feeling to be here. 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 years old and I leave with only good memories, but when a club like Newcastle comes for you, it’s very difficult to say no. “The last few days have gone by quickly and I’m very happy to join.
“I’m a player who likes to have the ball and play forward all the time. I’m happy playing between the lines and I feel like I have a lot of energy in my game. I just want to win.”
Newcastle manager Howe is pleased with Steur after difficult summer so far
Steur’s signing has provided a bit of respite for manager Eddie Howe, who has already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer and captain Bruno Guimaraes is also keen to leave Newcastle for Arsenal.
Howe said of the young Dutchman: “We are delighted to welcome Sean to Newcastle United – he is a top-flight young prospect who has already had a taste of the 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 in the coming years. “That is something we are very excited about and we look forward to working with him and helping him achieve his ambitions.
“Sean is an exciting addition to our team. He has had an excellent upbringing at Ajax, who have an exceptional track record in producing young players.”
Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season and appear to have reshaped their transfer model, preferring to target young players with sale value rather than already grown Premier League players.
