Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their hunt to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff for £12million, and the Magpies’ supposed insistence for a better deal should see the 49ers look elsewhere.
Alongside adding the right amount of technical quality to the side, there is the need for Leeds and their promoted rivals to source players that can provide the intangibles to their squad too.
Premier League experience is one very obvious facet of a squad that can help them to survival, and Leeds have looked to bring in a midfielder of that description.
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Leeds United talks to sign Sean Longstaff stall over Newcastle United stance
Leeds’ hopes to strengthen their midfield saw them turn to Newcastle United, lodging a third bid very recently to sign Sean Longstaff – per The Athletic.
(Action Images via Reuters/Scott Heppell)
Despite being a local lad, Longstaff has already agreed terms with Leeds, making the deal a formality if his club accept an offer.
The issue comes with Eddie Howe’s side not currently looking to accept Leeds’ offer, prompting the 49ers to start exploring other options.
Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is another option that has been targeted for a transfer alongside Longstaff talks, but the Geordie being much less likely to join means Leeds may being looking to other signings to add more grit to their squad.
Could Leeds United explore move for Aston Villa’s Enzo Barrenechea instead of Longstaff?
If Leeds are turning to other options, looking at their Premier League rivals Aston Villa might be the way to go, knowing that whoever the alternative to Longstaff is also has to be someone cost-effective and perhaps content with being part of the squad’s rotation.
The man in question is 24-year-old Argentine Enzo Barrenechea, who spent the 24/25 season on loan in La Liga under Carlos Corberan at Valencia, a side whose remarkable upturn in form saw them climb from relegation trouble to mid-table, with Barrenechea becoming a guaranteed starter when Marcelo Bielsa’s ex-assistant got the job in December.
(REUTERS/Juan Medina)
In that time, the 24-year-old became a key component in Corberan’s midfield, fitting into the Spaniard’s adaptable and very organised out-of-possession structure.
At 6ft1in, he’d certainly provide Leeds with the physical presence required in midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu and co, while a comparison between Longstaff and Barrenechea is well in the latter’s favour both in defensive contribution and passing quality:
Graphic from DataMB – Longstaff’s 23/24 data used as he only played >800 minutes in 24/25.
The question is: would Villa sell?
Having joined for just under £10million from Juventus, Barrenechea has been largely surplus to requirements since joining, and the Villans would be able to generate a decent bit of PSR headroom by cashing in this summer for an eight-figure fee – given his book value has reduced by 20% this month.
Reports claim that he ‘could’ be available for as little as €10million this summer with Villa having plenty of depth in midfield for next season, but those claims have to come with a pinch of salt, given he’s got four years remaining on his contract and has just enjoyed a standout campaign in La Liga.