Newcastle United have completed the signing of teenage midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax in a deal that could rise to £23m.
The 18-year-old arrived on Tyneside on Wednesday evening, underwent his medical, and finalised a five-year contract running through 2031.
“It feels amazing to join,” Steur said, calling Newcastle a major Premier League club and saying it has long been his goal to play in the league. He added that while Ajax had been home since he joined at seven and he leaves with great memories, an approach from Newcastle was too good to refuse.
Steur became a regular for Ajax in the latter half of last season, starting the De Klassieker win over Feyenoord at just 17.
Opta data shows that among Eredivisie midfielders aged 18 or younger at the start of the season, Steur ranked first for chances created (15), total carries (231), and duel success (56.8%). He was second for passes (623), pass accuracy (89.7%), tackles (20), possession won (49), and duels won (46).
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe described Steur as a top young talent. “We see real potential in Sean and believe he has the qualities to be a long-term asset,” he said, praising the grounding Steur received at Ajax, a club renowned for developing young players.