While Alexander Isak has not hit the ground running since leaving Newcastle United, it is a different story for some of the players who followed him out of St James’ Park.
The Newcastle United squad looks very different after the summer transfer window. Eddie Howe made six senior signings, while there were also plenty of outgoings.
Isak’s move to Liverpool was the biggest, but the Toon Army also waved goodbye to Callum Wilson, Martin Dubravka and Sean Longstaff.
The latter joined Leeds United for £15million, and has already made quite the impression at Elland Road.
- Who is Sean Longstaff? The homegrown Carabao Cup winner who departed Newcastle United
Sean Longstaff is hailed after bright start at Leeds United
When Newcastle drew 0-0 with Leeds, Longstaff was arguably the best player on the pitch. He showed Newcastle what they were missing in letting him go, and has not looked back.
He is now the immovable object in the Leeds United midfield, as Daniel Farke attempts to orchestrate Premier League survival.
They picked up a valuable point against Bournemouth at the weekend, with Longstaff playing a starring role. He scored and got an assist, finding the net for the first time since May 2024.
The 27-year-old has not been brought to Leeds for his goalscoring prowess. He has been brought in to toughen up their midfield and provide a wealth of Premier League experience.
That has not gone unnoticed, with Leeds defender Joe Rodon praising the impact that Longstaff has already had at Elland Road.
“I can’t praise Sean enough,” Rodon told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“He’s been absolutely outstanding and he’s gonna be a key figure for us going forward. You saw again today, he’s everywhere.
“Sean brings that calmness, experience and he knows where to be in the moments of the game. What a brilliant finish. I’m very happy for him and hopefully there’s many more to come.”
Newcastle United were right to sell Sean Longstaff
There were tears when Longstaff left Newcastle United. He was loved within the Toon dressing room and played a big role in the success the club has enjoyed under Eddie Howe.
However, Newcastle were right to sell Longstaff.
From a PSR perspective, it made complete sense to cash in on a homegrown player who was in the final 12 months of their contract. In the same vein, Longstaff wanted Newcastle to get a fee for him rather than leave on a free transfer.
It was a deal that suited all parties. Newcastle got a healthy cash injection, while Longstaff got the fresh start he needed after slipping down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
He was never going to start ahead of Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes, so now Longstaff is making himself undroppable for Leeds instead.
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