New Newcastle United signing Sean Steur has been warned that history does not favour him over his move to St James Park.
Journalist Valentijn Driessen hits out at the 18-year-old midfielder today following his €27m move to the North East this week. FC Update relay his comments.
Anger at Newcastle move
Sean Steur joined Newcastle this week in a surprise move, at least from Ajax’s perspective. The Dutch giants had been hoping to sign the youngster to a new deal.
He is a product of their youth system, featuring at every level as well as making 26 appearances for the first team. However, negotiations reportedly stalled when they were unable to offer him or his agents a clear path for the future.
That is something that Newcastle have been able to offer. And they have now completed the deal for him as they rebuild their midfield following Sandro Tonali’s departure.
While the Magpies are celebrating their latest arrival, the reaction in the Netherlands has not been positive. That includes warnings to the midfielder that adaptation to life in England will not be easy.
Warning sent
Now Driessen has a different warning. He says that history has proven such moves don’t tend to work out.
“Almost all players who have left Ajax at that age either return with their tails between their legs or don’t make it at all. That bodes ill for that lad,” he said.
The journalist then made it clear why he thinks Steur has made the move. “He’s simply gone for the money,” he added.
Driessen isn’t aiming his anger at just Sean Steur and Newcastle, though. He believes that the move bodes ill for Dutch football in general.
“Steur’s departure is terrible for Dutch football,” he concluded.
“He is one of the greatest talents on Dutch pitches, plays for Ajax and was trained there. The very same Ajax is bringing in older players to mentor the younger ones, yet the greatest talent is walking out the door. That’s putting the cart before the horse.”