Newcastle United have secured the services of teenage midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax in a transfer that could reach £23m.
The 18-year-old arrived on Tyneside on Wednesday evening before completing a medical and putting the finishing touches to his switch.
He has agreed to a five-year contract that runs until 2031.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be here,” Steur remarked. “This is a huge club in the Premier League and it was always my ambition to play in the greatest league in the world.
“Ajax felt like home – I joined when I was seven and I leave with nothing but wonderful memories – but when a side like Newcastle comes calling, it’s really hard to turn down.”
Steur established himself as a regular starter for Ajax in the second half of last season, featuring from the outset in the De Klassieker victory over Feyenoord at just 17 years of age.
According to Opta, among midfielders aged 18 or younger in the Eredivisie at the start of the campaign, Steur topped the rankings for chances created (15), total ball carries (231) and duel success rate (56.8%).
He placed second for passes (623), passing accuracy (89.7%), tackles (20), possession regains (49) and duels won (46).
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe called Steur a “top young prospect”.
“We see real potential in Sean and believe he has the qualities to become a valuable player for us for years to come,” he added.
“Sean is an exciting addition to our squad. He’s had an excellent football education at Ajax, who possess a remarkable track record of developing young players.”
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