Newcastle United‘s Sean Steur says Eddie Howe’s exit shocked him but wasn’t concerned about Matthias Jaissle’s arrival at St. James Park.
The 18-year-old graduated from Ajax’s academy and made 22 appearances for their first team. That was enough for the Premier League side to invest around €27m in the summer window.
On July 9th, the midfielder completed his move to Newcastle United and signed a five-year contract.
Howe was then in charge and at the end of that month, he stepped down from his role. The Premier League side appointed Jaissle as his successor on August 5th.
Howe convinced to join Newcastle United
Manager Michael Reiziger has called up Sean Steur for the Netherlands U21 squad, and this gave the Dutch media an opportunity to speak to him.
On Tuesday, Steur said he’s happy with his decision to leave Ajax for the Magpies. He has given another interview to Algemeen Dagblad, where he talks about his life in England and other topics.
The youngster says his compatriot, Sven Botman, and others have helped him settle in quickly at Newcastle United.
“I have a good bond with Sven, but everyone was good to me,” he said.
“Within a week, I had a home. That helps enormously. A 20-minute drive from the club, on a nice street where other players live. It was the first one that became available. I said: fine, I’ll move in there.”
According to AD, Eddie Howe convinced the player to move to St. James’ Park. On his departure and working with Matthias Jaissle, Steur explained: “That was a surprise for everyone.”
“He [Jaissle] is also a very good coach and a person. He gives me a lot of confidence. I was never really worried.”
Challenges after moving to Newcastle United
The move to the Tyneside club saw him leave the Netherlands for the first time in his career.
This meant he has to stay away from family, including his twin brother Gijs, and also get used to his new life in England.
“I miss them enormously, yes. I am a family man, I really love my family. The fact that I don’t see them every day is, I think, the hardest part of the transfer,” he added.
On driving in the UK, Sean Steur said: “I haven’t rammed a car yet, mind you, but I did end up in the wrong lane once. At first, I thought she was at fault. I soon realised I had to drive on the other side. Now I actually have to get used to it again when I come to the Netherlands.”
| Every Newcastle United signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Matias Fernandez-Pardo | Lille | £51 million |
| Nico González | Manchester City | £47 million |
| Bazoumana Touré | TSG Hoffenheim | £42.8 million |
| Amar Dedić | Benfica | £30.7 million |
| Aladji Bamba | Monaco | £30 million |
| Lukáš Horníček | Braga | £25.7 million |
| Sean Steur | Ajax | £19.6 million |
| Ewen Jaouen | Stade Reims | £18.5 million |
Big plan for future
Sean Steur received his first Netherlands U21 call-up this month. While he’s yet to make his debut for Jong Oranje, the Newcastle United summer signing is dreaming about the senior debut.
“I hope to play [against Norway U21 on Friday]. We have to win three matches. I am happy to be here, with good players and nice guys around me,” he said.
“The senior national team? To be honest, I haven’t even thought about being part of it. But that is, of course, a dream and a goal for the future. Xavi? I have never seen him play. Only on YouTube, in compilations with Iniesta.”
He made seven appearances for Matthias Jaissle’s side so far this season. The Dutchman has to cement his place at Newcastle United and then regularly impress on the pitch to receive a call-up from Xavi.
🇵🇹 Newcastle United one of the clubs scouting Porto, with 3 likely targets for Magpieshttps://t.co/GNfJI7f41p #nufc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 21, 2026
