Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has stated he has held positive discussions with captain Bruno Guimarães regarding his future, amidst speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Arsenal. Howe emphasized the importance of supporting all players, particularly the club's recent young signings.
Newcastle has recently seen Sandro Tonali depart for Tottenham in a deal potentially worth up to £100 million, weakening the team's midfield. The club has since brought in young midfielders Sean Steur from Ajax and Aladji Bamba from Monaco. While Bamba's move was finalized too late for him to feature in a recent match, Steur played the full 90 minutes.
Howe expressed satisfaction with Steur's debut, noting, "He played really well today. He can be really pleased with his performance and first showing in Newcastle colours." Steur's transfer from Ajax, where it is unusual for an 18-year-old academy graduate to leave, was reportedly for a fee up to £23 million. Newcastle views such signings as calculated risks to acquire potential stars before their value escalates beyond reach.
Willem Weijs, Steur's former manager at Jong Ajax, described him as "one of the highest-rated" players in the academy, highlighting his technical ability, composure, and vision. However, Weijs also noted areas for development, particularly in defensive aspects and physical duels, suggesting Steur needs more time in the gym to adapt to the Premier League's intensity. "He's outstanding in his first touches and creating options when playing a possession game," Weijs commented. "He's good at scanning; really comfortable on the ball; really good in tight spaces. He's a typical Dutch-type midfield player, but he should focus on his points to develop as well, which is for sure the defensive part."
This recruitment strategy, focusing on players aged 20 and under from continental Europe, also includes newcomers Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure, who will require patience to develop. Howe acknowledged the challenge of integrating these young players, especially after losing key figures like Isak, Tonali, and Anthony Gordon in the past year. "We all need to be very supportive to the players that have come in," Howe said. "I don't think we can put too much pressure on them. It's part of my job to try and take the pressure off them and allow them to develop and to enjoy their time here."