Newcastle sign Ajax teenager and close in on World Cup breakout star after losing Sandro Tonali | OneFootball

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Ajax midfielder Sean Steur, while reportedly closing in on World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi.

Ajax confirmed Steur's move to the Tyneside club for a transfer fee potentially rising to £23 million.

This influx of youth follows significant outgoings, with the Saudi Arabia-owned club offloading high-profile players like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer.

England star Gordon left to join Barcelona in a deal worth £70 million last month , while Tonali completed his £100 million move to Premier League rivals Tottenham earlier this week.

Manzambi, a 20-year-old midfielder, garnered attention for World Cup quarter-finalists Switzerland before sustaining a knee injury in training, following a strong season with Europa League finalists Freiburg.

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Newcastle are keen on signing Switzerland's Johan Manzambi (Getty)

The club also secured another 20-year-old Bundesliga talent this week, winger Bazoumana Touré, from Hoffenheim for a reported £42 million.

Speculation continues regarding Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who is believed keen on a transfer to Premier League champions Arsenal.

It was reported on Wednesday that the Newcastle captain has informed the club of his desire to leave following Brazil’s exit from the World Cup after their last-16 defeat by Norway on Sunday.

Despite featuring in the Champions League last season, Newcastle's 12th-place Premier League finish means no European football for the upcoming campaign, a situation expected to reduce club revenue by tens of millions of pounds.

If Guimaraes was to leave, he would be the third high-profile player to move on from St James’ Park this summer, and the club appear to be focused on bringing in young talent to replace the more seasoned professionals.

It promises to be a crucial summer for Newcastle, who struggled after selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £125 million on the final day of the transfer window last year.

The Magpies brought in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to replace Isak, but neither man was able to establish themselves as Newcastle’s first-choice striker.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe largely relied on William Osula to lead the line in the final weeks of last season as Newcastle finished in the bottom half of the table for the first time since 2022.