Leeds United are continuing with their preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign after welcoming four new faces through the door at Elland Road. Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastian Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson have all joined the Whites ahead of pre-season and Daniel Farke's rebuild won't stop there.
It was reported yesterday by the Times that Leeds have had a £12m bid for Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff knocked back - and although some fans in the Leeds Live comments section believe he won't set the world on fire, he'll still be an astute buy for the club.
Longstaff has been at Newcastle since he was eight years old, amassing over 200 appearances in all competitions for their senior team. He's fallen down the pecking order in recent times, but has been a solid and consistent presence in their squad for years.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe was prepared to have him stay and fight for more playing time, but the deal suits Newcastle as Longstaff's contract was running down and it would be viewed as "pure profit" in the eyes of PSR for a long-serving academy player.
This is reportedly Leeds' third bid for Longstaff, at an initial £10 million and rising to £12 million with add-ons, and his club is unlikely to stand in his way if he wants to leave in search of more playing time.
Some fans believe he's a fine addition while the club seek to complete deals for their top targets. Reader Whitesfan says: "Not one you'd consider a marquee signing but maybe a solid squad player, if it is true and it happens. He's another one who can play multiple positions, in this case in midfield, he's a tall lad and has buckets of Premier League experience.
"It might also be an insurance policy against not being able to get other targets. While Stach, again if true, would be brilliant he may prefer to stay in Germany or choose other clubs offering European football."
Commenter Mls88 agrees: "Bang on mate, not spectacular but has good experience, and for £12mil." Rayrm adds: "Spot on. Versatile, experienced in title battles and relegation battles."
JeffWales is a little less convinced: "If he signs, he'll bring experience to the squad, but I have to admit to feeling a tad underwhelmed by the signing. He is ok, but doesn't excite and continues the current trend for bargain signatures.
"Nothing wrong with bargains providing they pay off. But we need a quality midfield general, someone who can spray the ball around and who is adept at set-pieces."
Chammy11 writes: "Probably not as good a player as we were all hoping for, but at the same time he is probably better than we have already. Striker and No.10 are the signings we must get right."
More must come for Busth: "We won't stay up with these signings. There has to be a focus on exceptional and therefore expensive signings now."
On our Facebook page, Steve Paul says: "He’s a good signing. Premier League experience and he’ll do a job for us definitely."
Mads Baden says: "He is Premier League quality and has almost 200 Premier League appearances. And only 27. I am happy."
Francis K. Beirne writes: "Oh, another 'average' player. I'll be surprised if Longstaff makes any telling contribution to Leeds' attempt to stay in the Premier League."
It's not all about the marquee signings for Ian Arksey: "You just need a squad of players who can gel, [Nottingham] Forest proved that last season. Not saying we will emulate what they did, but you don’t need a team of superstars to get there."
Have your say! Is Sean Longstaff for £12 million an astute deal for Leeds United? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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