Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff has been the subject of three bids from Leeds United already this summer.
Leeds United have been eyeing Sean Longstaff for some time now. Longstaff was first linked to Leeds back in March 2024 ahead of a potential Premier League return.
They took an extra year to achieve that but Leeds could take Longstaff due to his availability as the persistent links aren’t going away this summer.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported of the three bids, but Leeds could walk away if this final bid of £12 million doesn’t land, given that Longstaff is into the final 12 months of his contract with the club.
Newcastle United FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Sean Longstaff closes in on switch to Leeds from Newcastle
It has been reported previously that Leeds want a £10 million deal for Sean Longstaff as they look to add at least a few midfielders into their engine room for the Premier League.
A rationale for Leeds signing Longstaff has emerged as well. According to teammates, such as Sandro Tonali, Longstaff is underrated as well and that is partly why Leeds want him.
Not only that, but Eddie Howe has opened the door for Longstaff to leave Newcastle this summer. Now, it appears that their third bid could be accepted as things edge closer.
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Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie states the Whites are now close to agreeing a deal with Newcastle Sean Longstaff. He also explains that the deal will represent pure profit for the Magpies.
Team Games Goals Assists Yellow cards Red cards
Newcastle United 214 16 11 24 1
Kilmarnock (loan) 17 3 0 1 0
Blackpool (loan) 45 9 6 1 0
Sean Longstaff’s career stats so far.
Talks with Leeds have taken place for a while now and the academy graduate has been with his boyhood club for almost 20 years. It would be his first permanent exit from the club after loans with Kilmarnock and Blackpool.
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A Leeds switch to Premier League experience was required and Longstaff provides that
It’s previously been said that Daniel Farke wants Premier League ready players this summer, with more of a focus on those types after the strategy from 2020-2023’s Premier League stint ending in relegation after just three seasons of top flight football.
Of course, so far, Leeds haven’t focused much on that. That’s despite a list of signings with plenty of top flight experience in the ‘Big Five’ leagues of European football.
Leeds want to make this stick and having characters with Longstaff’s longevity at the top level is of vital importance. He is obviously renowned for his engine and work-rate but he cannot break into Newcastle’s midfield consistently.
Howe and the Saudi ownership group PIF (Public Investment Fund) have improved the squad to the point where Howe’s first-choice midfield trio consists of Brazilian international pair Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, as well as former AC Milan ace Tonali.
That doesn’t include the likes of Joe Willock, either. Newcastle can afford to sell in that sense, and Leeds could be the benefactors, even if he isn’t the flashiest player or the sexiest transfer link of the summer window.