Sean Steur's move to Newcastle United continues to attract heavy criticism in the Netherlands, with former Dutch international Wim Kieft becoming the latest high-profile figure to question the transfer.
The 18-year-old completed a €27 million switch from Ajax earlier this week, but the reaction in his homeland has been overwhelmingly negative. Kieft now believes the midfielder has made his move far too early and fears it could damage his development.
Wim Kieft delivers brutal verdict
Writing in his latest column for De Telegraaf, Kieft questioned whether Steur is anywhere near ready for Premier League football.
"As an 18-year-old youth international, you’re certainly nowhere near ready for Newcastle United’s first team," he said.
He also dismissed the suggestion that Steur would receive more opportunities in England than he was likely to at Ajax.
"Does anyone think that the guaranteed starting place he was denied by Ajax is actually guaranteed in England?"
Kieft believes the youngster faces an uphill battle from the moment he arrives at St James' Park.
'Doomed to fail' in the Premier League
The former Netherlands striker went even further by claiming Steur lacks the physical attributes needed to succeed in England.
"Steur is doomed to fail at Newcastle United because it’s not just about how good you are on the ball there," Kieft added.
"He’s a decent footballer, but in the Premier League it’s also very much about physicality, pace and strength in challenges."
According to Kieft, those were already areas where the midfielder struggled during his time at Ajax.
He believes Newcastle represents too big a step at this stage of Steur's career.
Dutch criticism continues after transfer
Kieft is far from the only Dutch football figure to question the move.
Earlier this week, Kenneth Perez warned that Steur's first few months at Newcastle would be "hell", while Valentijn Driessen also questioned whether leaving Ajax so early was the right decision.
Kieft feels the midfielder would have benefited from another two or three seasons in the Eredivisie before securing a major move abroad.
"I would have given him another two or three seasons to develop at Ajax," he said.
"Then someone like Steur could still make a brilliant move and cash in financially."
Despite the criticism, Newcastle clearly believe they have signed one of Europe's brightest young midfielders and will hope Steur proves his doubters wrong.
Key points
- Wim Kieft believes Sean Steur is “doomed to fail” at Newcastle.
- The midfielder joined Newcastle from Ajax for €27m.
- Kieft says Steur is not physically ready for the Premier League.
- He believes the 18-year-old should have stayed at Ajax longer.
- Dutch criticism of the transfer has continued throughout the week.
- Newcastle remain confident in the youngster's long-term potential.
What’s next?
Steur will join Newcastle for pre-season after returning from international duty and begin competing for a place in Eddie Howe's squad.
The teenager now has an opportunity to answer growing criticism from the Netherlands, with his adaptation to Premier League football likely to be closely watched over the coming months.
Can Sean Steur prove his Dutch critics wrong at Newcastle United?
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