Sean Longstaff could have only two games left as a Newcastle United player.
Longstaff is a Newcastle United academy product, making his way through the youth ranks to record 214 appearances for the club, while winning the Carabao Cup along the way.
The midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable story at St James’ Park, although one that could end soon.
Longstaff is expected to leave Newcastle this summer, having fallen out of the first-team picture on a regular basis under Eddie Howe.
Everton want to sign Longstaff but other Premier League teams have also been linked.
Interestingly, it seems sporting director Paul Mitchell has been expecting this for a while.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Mitchell has been expecting Sean Longstaff to leave Newcastle for months
According to Newcastle World, Mitchell shortlisted Longstaff as a potential transfer exit back in January.
Instead, Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly left the club for Atlanta United and Juventus respectively.
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Longstaff did not leave Newcastle in January because he wanted to try and win the Carabao Cup, which obviously came to fruition.
Having done that, however, perhaps the path out the door has opened up again.
Games Goals Assists Trophies
214 16 11 1
Sean Longstaff’s stats for Newcastle United
Huge Sean Longstaff claim made by Sandro Tonali
Newcastle’s midfield would be tough for anyone to break into. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali represent an excellent trio and Longstaff just does not look like getting back in the fold on a regular basis.
Still, he’s very highly rated behind the scenes. In fact, Tonali thinks Longstaff is the most underrated player he’s ever played with over the course of his career.
It will be a shame to see him go but wanting first-team football at this stage of his career would be understandable.
The Newcastle United academy hasn’t always been the most profitable for the first team over the years but Longstaff is a major success story.