Leeds United have been busy in the summer transfer window as Daniel Farke looks to shape his squad into one capable of surviving the Premier League.
The Whites won the Championship title last year, but it was clear that they needed to upgrade ahead of their return to action in the top flight – and they’re doing just that.
Leeds United have been busy on the transfer front over the past few weeks, bringing in Lukas Nmecha, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Now, the Whites have reportedly struck a deal for another player, one who received huge praise from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola several years ago.
Newcastle player Sean Longstaff celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on October 21, 2023
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City ‘couldn’t deal with’ Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden in 2019 shock defeat
Leeds have got a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff over the line, according to David Ornstein.
The Whites will reportedly pay an upfront fee of £12million alongside a further £3million in achievable add-ons, including Premier League survival.
Longstaff is a Premier League veteran who has racked up over 170 appearances in the English top flight over the past seven years.
He is a hard-working, tough-tackling midfielder who can make an impact in both boxes, and he can also chip in with goals and assists.
Longstaff is also versatile, having previously played in defensive midfield, attacking midfield, and even on the left of midfield on a few occasions.
Back in January 2019, a pre-takeover Newcastle recorded a 2-1 win over Manchester City, which was a major shock at the time.
After the game Guardiola said, as per Chronicle Live: “We could not deal with Newcastle’s holding midfielders.
“We started with the goal but we didn’t have the rhythm we need to impose our game.
“We didn’t take the rhythm of the game, it was slow and we weren’t aggressive enough.”
“Obviously when someone like him, probably the best manager in the world, says nice things about you, it always makes you feel good, and gives you a little boost and confidence to know you’ve caused a team like that problems,” Longstaff said in response, as per Sky Sports.
“But it wasn’t just me and Isaac, it was everyone, it was probably the shape of the team, the way the manager set-up, it was a group effort.
“But when Pep can give you the praise, you’ll always take it, and it was an unbelievable feeling.”
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What Carlton Palmer previously said about Leeds United and Sean Longstaff
Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer has already delivered a resounding verdict on the prospect of Longstaff joining Leeds.
“He’s only got a year left on his contract, so this would be a very, very good signing,” Carlton Palmer said last year on the prospect of Longstaff joining Leeds.
“This would be a terrific signing for Leeds, a really strong signing for the football club.
“It’s one thing getting to the Premier League, but it’s another thing staying there.”
Last year, Newcastle triggered a one-year option in Longstaff’s contract to extend it until the summer of 2026.