Newcastle Find 'New Elliot Anderson' in Sean Steur, Ajax Have Already Lost a Gem
Baca dalam 60 detik
- Newcastle United menggelontorkan £23 juta untuk merekrut Sean Steur dari Ajax pada Juli lalu, dan gelandang 18 tahun itu langsung menunjukkan kualitasnya di lini tengah.
- Penjualan Elliot Anderson ke Nottingham Forest seharga £35 juta menjadi penyesalan terbesar era PIF, terlebih setelah Anderson bergabung ke Manchester City dengan nilai £116 juta.
- Steur berpotensi menjadi pusat proyek baru Newcastle di bawah asuhan Matthias Jaissle, dengan gaya bermain yang mengingatkan pada Anderson namun dengan harga yang jauh lebih murah.
Newcastle United have found a replacement for Elliot Anderson in Sean Steur, the young Dutch midfielder bought from Ajax for £23 million last July. Steur's performance against Hull City last weekend showed he is not merely a squad filler, but a future star who could transform the Magpies' midfield.
Newcastle's decision to let Anderson go to Nottingham Forest for £35 million two years ago now feels bitter. Anderson developed rapidly at the City Ground and this summer was signed by Manchester City for £116 million—proof that Newcastle lost an asset worth far more. The failure to keep Anderson, plus the sales of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, has forced Newcastle's midfield into a total overhaul.
In that context, Steur's arrival is an oasis. Against Hull City, he recorded 51 successful passes from 57 attempts, created two chances, won all of his tackles, and three of four duels. Those statistics show maturity beyond his years. When he was withdrawn in the 66th minute, Newcastle lost control of the game—a signal that Steur has already become a key element.
Coach Matthias Jaissle is said to greatly admire Steur. The 18-year-old is tipped to displace Lewis Miley, long regarded as Anderson's successor. However, based on recent form, Steur has the edge in game vision and composure under pressure. If given continued opportunities, he could become a £100 million midfielder like Anderson.
"Steur is a top talent, but we also signed young players with even greater potential," said a Newcastle internal source, describing the club's enthusiasm over Steur's development.
For Newcastle, Steur is not just an ordinary signing. He is a symbol of a new transfer strategy focused on talented young players. Past failures have taught the PIF management a lesson, and they are now trying to build a long-term foundation. Steur could become the centerpiece of Jaissle's project, the figure filling the void left by Anderson.
Indonesian context: Newcastle's story is a valuable lesson for Liga Indonesia clubs that are often tempted to sell young players for short-term financial needs. Losing a player like Anderson—who was later sold for many times the price—shows the importance of long-term planning and the courage to give young talents a chance. Clubs such as Persija, Persib, or Bali United could learn from Newcastle's strategy of turning to promising young players.
Going forward, Steur will face his real test in the Premier League. If he can stay consistent, it is not impossible that Newcastle will have a world-class midfielder without spending big. The question is, will Steur become the next Elliot Anderson—or even better?
