Leeds likely to look elsewhere after third Longstaff bid rejected
Thursday, 10th Jul 2025 21:11 by Tim Whelan
Leeds have now made three offers to Newcastle United for the services of Sean Longstaff, but have again been knocked back, and according to the Athletic we are not likely to go any higher.
The latest offer was for an inital £10million plus a possible £2million in add-ons, but the barcodes are said to be holding out for £15 million. Leeds are unlikely to go any higher, presumably being ever mindful of the dreaded PSR limit, with several other signings still needed before the start of the season.
All of which is a little frustrating, as Longstaff himself is keen on to come to Elland Road, given that his game time will be limited if he remains at Newcastle. The 27 year-old has already agreed personal terms with Leeds, so all that is needed is for the two clubs to come to a similar understanding.
Newcastle triggered a one-year extension to Longstaff’s contract so it now runs until June 2026, and as a home-grown player he would help them to comply with the squad regulations in both the Premier and Champions Leagues. But they must know that if they hang onto him beyond this transfer window his value in the transfer window will diminish, so it might well be best to cash in while they can.
Longstaff has made 171 appearances in the Premier League, so would bring some experience of England’s top division to a squad that isn’t blessed with a lot of it, but I’m not convinced that he plays in a position which should be a priority. In the midfield we’re more in need of a creative ‘number 10’, and we need to save the pennies for a goalkeeper and another striker.
A possible alternative target is said to be TSG Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach, though he is likely to cost around £17million, and is also a defensive midfield player. Though at 6 foot 4 he fits the profile of the sort of players we have been signing so far this summer, as we seem to be intent on becoming the land of the giants.
There will be plenty of transfer activity to come before we get to the end of August, so watch this space.
_Reuters_
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