Many fans have asked the question on where Sean Steur will fit in at St James' Park - but the question appears to have been answered by his shirt number
Sean Steur
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Newcastle United have completed the signing of Sean Steur with Eddie Howe confirming he will go straight into his first team squad.
The 18-year-old Dutchman arrives on the day Bruno Guimaraes' future begins to look unclear, with Arsenal lurking to do a deal for the Brazil international.
After joining from Ajax, Howe said: "We’re delighted to welcome Sean to Newcastle United – he’s a top young prospect that 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."
A United statement shed light on to his squad status too by confirming he would have a number close to the first XI as a fresh hint was dropped on where he would fit in.
It read: "United are delighted to announce the signing of young Dutch midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax. The 18-year-old, capped by the Netherlands at Under-19s level, has penned a five-year deal at St James’ Park and joins for an undisclosed fee.
"Sean, who will wear shirt number 14, becomes the club’s third senior arrival this summer following the recent signings of French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen and Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure."
Speaking about completing the move, 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."
Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, commented: "I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to conclude this deal so swiftly and make Sean a Newcastle United player.
"We’ve been aware of his talent for some time but so has the rest of European football, so it was vital that we were able to act diligently and give ourselves the best chance of getting Sean on board. It’s a testament to the project we’re working on here that players like Sean are so keen to join.
"We‘re all really encouraged about working with Sean and I know how much Eddie enjoyed his first conversations with him – it left us all even more convinced of what Sean can bring to this group.
"Sean enters a fantastic environment for young players to develop and we’re incredibly excited about the progress we believe he can make here. It was great to welcome him and his family to Newcastle this week."
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