Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur, just days after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for a fee that could reach £100m.
Tonali, 26, completed his move to the London club on Monday, with the initial payment of £92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons – a club-record deal for Spurs. The Italy international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023, helped the Magpies win the Carabao Cup in 2025, their first trophy in 70 years, after serving a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.
“Newcastle close in on Ajax's Steur after selling Tonali to Tottenham for up to £100m.”
Speaking to Tottenham's official channels, Tonali said: "I'm very happy to be here. People said about there being four or five clubs - there was only one. I spoke to the head coach [Roberto de Zerbi] for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham." He also paid tribute to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and the club's supporters in a social media post, writing: "A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who's been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey."
The Tonali sale frees up funds for Newcastle to reinvest, and they have moved quickly for Steur – a highly rated Dutch youth international who only signed a new contract with Ajax last summer but whose deal expires in 2028, putting Ajax in a delicate position as his value will drop when he enters the final year next summer. Steur made his first-team debut in December and soon became a regular, starting in the De Klassieker win against Feyenoord. According to Opta, among midfielders aged 18 or younger who started the Eredivisie season, he ranked first for chances created (15), total carries (231) and duel success (56.8%).
Meanwhile, Newcastle have also signalled interest in Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who is ready to leave Stamford Bridge. Manchester United are also monitoring the Brazilian, but Newcastle's pursuit adds a Premier League rival to the race. With Tonali's departure and Steur's arrival imminent, the Magpies appear focused on rebuilding their midfield this summer.