The 2026/27 campaign will no doubt be seen as a transitional period for Newcastle United as they get to grips with life without numerous star performers.

Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon all departed St James’ Park during the recent window, leaving huge holes within the senior ranks.

New boss Matthias Jaissle oversaw the club’s efforts to build a side for the immediate and long-term future, which saw the arrival of one young prospect.

How Steur has started life in the Premier League

As part of the Magpies’ summer recruitment drive, the hierarchy decided to fork out a reported £23m for the signature of 18-year-old midfielder Sean Steur from Ajax.

The teenager was an unknown quantity to many of the supporters on Tyneside, but it’s safe to say he’s already demonstrated his skillset to the fanbase in recent weeks.

He’s appeared in all five of the club’s league games so far this campaign, starting two of them, subsequently completing the most passes per 90 in the senior ranks.

Steur has also managed to complete 100% of the dribbles he’s attempted this season, often being the player to develop the play from deep-lying positions.

Out of possession, the Dutchman has made an impressive 8.4 defensive contributions per 90 - with the youngster putting himself about despite his relatively small frame.

Why Steur is one for the future at Newcastle

Despite his immediate introduction into life in the Premier League, it’s clear that Steur is in need of more time to adapt to the demands of England’s top-flight.

The Eredivisie is a more technical division and one which has less reliance upon the need for physicality - but it’s safe to say the Premier League is a whole different type of competition.

The need to be physically dominant has increased over recent years, with the Dutchman needing to be built and able to shrug off the opposition if he is to be a success.

He’s already been dispossessed three times within his two starts in such a division, which has often seen the aggressive nature of the opposition restrict his progress.

There’s no denying he’s an excellent talent and one to be excited about, but the supporters will need to be patient with the teenager if he is to fulfil his potential on Tyneside.

How Newcastle can land an instant Steur upgrade

Despite the recent big-money deal to sign Steur, the departures of Tonali and Guimaraes this summer had only increased the need of added quality in such an area.

The hierarchy’s decision to go for younger and inexperienced talents has handed Jaissle a couple of excellent prospects for the future in the hunt for success.

However, immediate quality options are still somewhat short in the midfield department, which could lead to a winter move for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yasin Ayari.

It’s been reported by Fussball News that Newcastle are said to be keen on a deal for the Swedish international, but face competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund.

The report also states that the Seagulls are reluctant to offload the 22-year-old at present, but would be tempted to cash in on the youngster if an offer of €60m (£52m) is presented. No talks have been held with Brighton but interested parties are already in discussions with intermediaries about a potential move.

Whilst such a figure may seem to be somewhat expensive, it’s one that would hand the manager the proven Premier League quality he’s hunting for ahead of the January window.

Ayari’s stats from the ongoing campaign showcase his quality at both ends of the pitch and demonstrate why he’s already a class above youngster Steur.

The Brighton star has managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, resulting in him creating more chances per 90 in England’s top-flight.

Such numbers demonstrate his excellent ability to control the game from deep-lying positions - something which is a vital aspect of Jaissle’s current system.

Even without the ball, Ayari has managed to dominate in recent weeks, subsequently making more ball recoveries per 90 along with a higher possession regained success rate.

The aforementioned figures demonstrate his excellent ability to disrupt the opposition’s progress - something which has been lacking since the departure of Tonali.

The £52m fee touted for his signature would be a phenomenal deal for a 22-year-old star who’s already made his mark during his time in the Premier League.

As he gets older, he’s only going to get even better and progress further - which could see the Magpies secure themselves a possible bargain down the line.

As for Steur, the arrival of Ayari would see him learn off of a proven Premier League operator and possibly fulfil the huge potential he arrived on Tyneside with.