With Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham Hotspur now official, it is very clear that Newcastle United need to add some quality in the middle of the park. Most fans would prefer someone proven and experienced to arrive. But it looks like the Magpies are focused on adding youth and potential to their squad in this summer transfer window.
The club have already been linked with midfielders like Johan Manzambi, Andrey Santos, Lesley Ugochukwu, Felix Nmecha, Lamine Camara and several others. Now, another name has been added to that list.
Reports have emerged on social media claiming that Newcastle United closing in on Sean Steur from Ajax. He is possibly another Dutchman set to head to the Premier League soon.
It remains to be seen how accurate the information turns out to be. Of course, nothing is done and dusted. Newcastle United fans will know that well, having seen the Victor Munoz transfer fall apart in the final steps as he ended up moving to Anfield after a late swoop from Liverpool.
Is Sean Steur who Newcastle United need right now?
Steur is just 18 years of age. He has only made 25 senior appearances for Ajax so far. So, it is hard to imagine that he would come in and immediately make an impact at Newcastle United, if the move did end up going through.
If the Magpies were successful in bringing him to St James’ Park, it would have to be viewed as a ‘project signing’. But in the long run, Steur does have the potential to become a key player for Newcastle United in the middle of the park.
Some of the numbers he has put up already gives a glimpse of the player he can be in the future. In the Eredivisie, he is already in the 97th percentile for long ball accuracy and the 93rd percentile for pass completion percentage.
He is a consistent winner of the ball as well. He is in the 77th percentile for the percentage of duels won and the 73rd percentile for the percentage of aerial duels won.
What do the numbers say about Sam Steur?
Those numbers hint at a very well-rounded midfielder. He is good with the ball at his feet and can more than hold his own off it as well.
That goes well with what will be expected of Steur, whether playing as a number 6 or as a number 8. His numbers look even better when converted to per 90 minutes, as he has not played enough football yet to have enough data over a full season.
If Newcastle United do end up signing Steur, they would do well to sign someone else alongside him who has more experience and can guide him a bit.
The club have been linked with Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart recently, who can be an exceptional signing for most Premier League clubs. He has been dubbed the ‘new Toni Kroos’ for a reason. There is believed to be a reasonable release clause in his deal as well.
