Former Newcastle United head coach Ruud Gullit has expressed optimism about the club’s young squad following a mixed start to the current season. Newcastle began the campaign unbeaten in their first five matches before a heavy 4-1 loss to Leeds United ended that run.

Under the management of Matthias Jaissle, who took charge after a summer marked by significant changes, Newcastle is in a rebuilding phase. Key players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Kieran Trippier departed, while the club brought in eight new signings all aged 24 or younger. Among those new arrivals is 18-year-old Sean Steur, who moved from Ajax to Newcastle amid criticism in the Netherlands that his transfer was premature.

Despite initial skepticism, Steur featured prominently during Newcastle’s pre-season and has played in all six matches so far this season. Gullit, who managed Newcastle from 1998 to 1999, acknowledged the doubts surrounding Steur’s move but remains hopeful the young midfielder will prove his critics wrong. He said many players who move abroad too early struggle to make an impact, but expressed confidence that Steur’s early performances indicate a promising future at St James’ Park.

“I have been pleasantly surprised by how well Newcastle have been doing and I am very, very happy for them because their fans deserve it, but the competition has only just started,” Gullit commented. He emphasized that Steur still has much to learn but expressed enthusiasm about the player’s potential to grow within the team and contribute to Newcastle’s success going forward.

The club’s transition following significant player turnover highlights the challenges Jaissle faces in developing a competitive squad, but early signs such as Steur’s performances offer encouragement as Newcastle aims to build on its start and meet supporter expectations.