Newcastle sign Ajax teenager Steur and close in on Manzambi as Tonali and Gordon exits reshape squad

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur for a fee potentially rising to £23 million, with the club also reportedly closing in on Switzerland international Johan Manzambi as they reshape their squad following a turbulent summer of outgoings.

Ajax confirmed Steur’s move to Tyneside, making the teenager one of several young arrivals at St James’ Park. Manzambi, a 20-year-old who caught the eye for World Cup quarter-finalists Switzerland before sustaining a knee injury in training, joins the list of targets after a strong season with Europa League finalists Freiburg.

The signings follow the departures of two of Newcastle’s most prominent players. England winger Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona in a £70 million deal last month, while Sandro Tonali completed a £100 million move to Premier League rivals Tottenham earlier this week. Newcastle also secured 20-year-old Bundesliga winger Bazoumana Touré from Hoffenheim for a reported £42 million earlier this week.

Further uncertainty surrounds captain Bruno Guimarães, who is believed to have informed the club of his desire to leave following Brazil’s last-16 World Cup exit against Norway. Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, are reported to be interested in the midfielder. Should Guimarães depart, he would become the third high-profile player to leave St James’ Park this summer.

The recruitment drive comes against a difficult backdrop. Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season — their lowest placing since 2022 — meaning no European football in the upcoming campaign and a projected reduction in club revenue of tens of millions of pounds.

The club’s struggles last term were partly attributed to the £125 million sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool on the final day of the previous transfer window. Replacements Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa failed to establish themselves as first-choice strikers, leaving manager Eddie Howe to rely heavily on William Osula in the closing weeks of the season.

With several experienced players moved on and a string of young signings arriving, Newcastle’s strategy appears to be a deliberate pivot towards youth — though whether that approach can restore them to the top half of the table remains to be seen.