Sean Steur: Newcastle sign midfielder from Ajax for £23m on five-year deal after Sandro Tonali exit

Newcastle have signed midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax in a transfer worth £23m.

The 18-year-old has joined on a five-year deal with Newcastle set to pay £20m plus £3m in bonuses.

Steur is the club's third signing this summer, following £42m winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim and £18m goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims after the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for a combined £169m, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes wanting to join Arsenal.

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Who is Sean Steur?

Steur began his career with RKAV Volendam before joining Ajax's academy in 2016 and making his senior debut during the 2024/25 campaign before enjoying a breakthrough season last term, featuring 25 times in all competitions.

He played three times in the Champions League, where he became the club's youngest ever player to provide an assist in the competition.

Steur was awarded the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy, Ajax's annual award for the club's brightest academy talent, following the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Christian Eriksen, Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart to receive it.

He has also progressed through the Netherlands' age groups from U15s to U19s.

Sky Sports News understands Ajax and Steur were in disagreement over his role in the team for next season. Steur believed he should be playing a more key role than the club were able to guarantee him.

It is believed the disagreement resulted in the teenager being put on the list to play for their U21s.

'Really hard to say no to Newcastle'

Steur said: "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 and I leave with only good memories, but when a club like Newcastle comes for you, it's really hard to say no. The last few days have gone fast and I'm very happy to join.

"I'm a player who likes to get on the ball and play forward all the time. I'm happy playing between the lines and I feel I have a lot of energy in my game. I just want to win."

Howe: A top young prospect

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: "We're delighted to welcome Sean to Newcastle United - he's a top young prospect who 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.

"Sean is an exciting addition to our squad. He's had an excellent upbringing at Ajax, who have an outstanding track record of producing young players."

Newcastle in advanced talks over Manzambi

Latest from Sky Sports News' Keith Downie:

Newcastle are in advanced talks with Freiburg for midfielder Johan Manzambi and close to a deal, but there is still work to do to agree a fee.

The German club value the Swiss international, who has scored three goals and provided two assists at the World Cup, at £51m (€60m).

The 20-year-old also needs to decide his destination, with other clubs interested in his services. .

Sky Sports News exclusively broke the news of Newcastle's interest in Manzambi two weeks ago.

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