Leeds are readying themselves for the start of pre-season training
James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc
12:40, 08 Jul 2026
Leeds United Manager Daniel Farke with Sean Longstaff.
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Leeds United Manager Daniel Farke with Sean Longstaff.(Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
Leeds United have made strengthening their midfield one of the key priorities this summer. That is evident enough from the fact two bids have gone in for Shea Charles already in the early stages of the transfer window, with the Southampton star not the only midfield ace linked.
Add to that the signing of winger Harry Wilson as a free agent following his exit from Fulham, and it is clear Leeds will have something of a new look about their midfield next season.
That puts more competition for places on the players already in situ, including a summer arrival last year in Sean Longstaff. The former Newcastle United star arrived bringing a great experience of the top flight with him, but only played a little over half the league games and was often used off the bench in more of a support role.
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It was a position Longstaff found himself in at Newcastle and one of the reasons for his exit, with the 28-year-old wanting to play a more established role in the team. To that end, the midfielder has been working hard on his fitness for the past few weeks in order to hit the ground running when Leeds' squad start to return for pre-season training next Monday.
Longstaff has been spotted at Newcastle United's Under-21s ground of Whitley Park, a place the Geordie knows well. Longstaff has been making the most of the familiar training facilities on Tyneside in order to be ready to impress when Leeds' training starts next week.
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