Newcastle United selling Sean Longstaff to Leeds United is going to create an opening on Tyneside.
In the same week that Callum Wilson left Newcastle United, there could be another emotional goodbye at St James’ Park.
Sean Longstaff is close to joining Leeds, with Daniel Farke’s side set to pay £12million for the Geordie midfielder. That will go down as pure profit for the Magpies, which will seriously enhance the club’s PSR position.
Financially, it makes sense. Sentimentally, it will be sad to see Longstaff leave. He is a local lad who has played a pivotal role in the club’s success over the past few years.
Sean Longstaff celebrates scoring the winner in a penalty shootout for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Sean Longstaff leaving Newcastle United will create an opening for Lewis Miley
But as one door closes, another will open. Newcastle United could sign a replacement midfielder, or they could turn to someone who is already with the club.
Longstaff leaving needs to result in Lewis Miley playing more regularly. He is the player who should replace Longstaff at St James’ Park.
The 2024/25 season was a frustrating one for Miley. After his incredible breakthrough the year before, he spent a lot of time either injured or sitting on the sidelines. Appearances were limited, with Miley playing 19 times in all competitions, four of which were starts. In contrast, he made 26 appearances during the 2023/24 season, with 19 of them as a starter.
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Now aged 19, Miley needs more exposure to senior football. He is a generational talent, with Newcastle wanting to build around Miley in the coming years.
However, that will only be possible if he is given a clear path to regular Premier League minutes. Signing another midfielder would only provide another roadblock and could lead to Miley considering his future.
What Eddie Howe has said about Lewis Miley leaving Newcastle United
That is not something that Eddie Howe will want, as the Newcastle United manager has made it very clear that he has no plans to let Miley leave the club.
Earlier this year, there were rumours that Miley was attracting transfer interest ahead of the summer window. However, Howe shut down talk of Miley leaving.
“Lewis is absolutely pivotal to our future here,” he said in April.
“From my perspective, he is going absolutely nowhere. We want to build the team with him in it for many, many years. That is my thought process.”
Howe’s stance is clear, and that should result in Miley getting the opportunity to step up in the absence of Longstaff. It is an opportunity he deserves, and one that he will surely seize with both hands.