Sean Longstaff has emerged as a key target for Leeds United in recent weeks, but the Newcastle United midfielder may remain with the Magpies.
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.
It was confirmed that Leeds were close to signing Sean Longstaff from Eddie Howe’s side in recent days, as the midfield area is one the Whites are hoping to strengthen as quickly as possible.
Leeds tabled a third bid of £12 million for Longstaff and the midfielder was edging closer to a switch. Despite Longstaff potentially joining ‘before the weekend’, there might even be suggestions that this deal is off.
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Leeds should look at Werder Bremen’s Jens Stage instead of Sean Longstaff
It’s since been claimed that a fourth Longstaff bid from Leeds is expected and the deal is not totally dead in the water, as the saga for the 27-year-old rumbles on.
However, Leeds could be minded to look elsewhere if this drags out much longer, with alternative midfield targets. They have already had to do so before this summer but further delays could impact their pre-season plans.
Habib Diarra picked Sunderland instead of Leeds in what was a shock move from the young midfielder. However, it was made worse again when Noah Sadiki also opted to join Sunderland over Leeds.
Instead, Leeds could and should now look at Werder Bremen’s Jens Stage. The 6’2″ Danish international is built similarly to Longstaff and shares his box-to-box nature as well.
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Having scored 10 goals and assisted a further five in 28 games for a Bremen team who finished eighth last season, Stage just enjoyed the best season of his career to date.
He has been utilised as a full-back, occasionally as a winger, and in attacking midfield previously. But recent years have seen Stage operate more as a box-to-box player or defensive midfielder.
It makes his recent feat for goal involvements all the more impressive, with the 28-year-old clearly at the peak of his powers. The Bundesliga market has been an area Leeds are more than willing to make use of this summer as well.
Stage has only collected two caps for his country but Leeds would also be adding an international with leadership, which is why he ought to be on their list this summer, especially due to his box-crashing similarities to Longstaff.
It goes beyond that, however, with his physicality, intensity out of possession, and sheer power and engine all incredibly similar to how Longstaff interprets a midfield role; things Leeds require and why he simply has to be on Leeds’ radar.
SV Werder Bremen's Jens Stage
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Jens Stage would be a bargain for Leeds, here’s why
Stage was Bremen’s Player of The Season in 2025, per Bundesliga News. Not only is that incredibly exciting for any interested club but Stage is also in the final year of his deal with Bremen after penning a four-year contract in 2022.
Leeds have taken advantage of market opportunities like those in the past. Players in the last year of their deals — thus undervalued and below market value — include Jayden Bogle, Largie Ramazani, Joe Rodon, but also Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw this summer as well.
The 49ers have enjoyed many a bargain of that nature and Stage could be yet another. Longstaff is also in the final year of his deal and Leeds won’t want to overpay when a similar player is right under their nose with Bremen.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
AGF 95 11 7
F.C. Copenhagen 111 21 11
Werder Bremen 96 16 11
Denmark 2 0 0
Jens Stage’s career stats so far (all comps)
His goal record would add something to Leeds, who need output all over the pitch next season and not just from an out-and-out striker. It could be a better signing for Leeds instead of Longstaff, in all honesty.
There is the lack of Premier League experience, and Leeds certainly need home-grown players, but swiftly moving on to the German market once more could well be Leeds’ next step this summer.