It is unclear what the future holds for Sean Longstaff at Newcastle United.
When he broke onto the scene in 2019, it looked like he would become a mainstay of the Magpies’ midfield. Sadly, that hasn’t happened.
While he has rallied since a tough spell under Steve Bruce, Longstaff’s minutes have been limited since the arrival of Eddie Howe.
He was linked with an exit in January, with Everton reportedly making a £1million move for the midfielder. However, their interest ended when ex-Toon boss Rafa Benitez was relieved of his duties at Goodison Park.
Under Howe, Longstaff has only started two Premier League games. He’s also been pushed further down the pecking order by the signing of Bruno Guimaraes. The academy graduate hasn’t played a single minute since the Brazilian joined the club.
But despite this, Howe believes Longstaff still has a future at St James’ Park.
What Eddie Howe said about Sean Longstaff’s future
“I love Sean, but I maybe haven’t displayed that with my team selections,” Howe told the Chronicle.
“That’s only because it is a really strong area of the team, Bruno is not playing either.
“I really do rate him highly and I am desperate for him to get an opportunity and show everyone on a consistent basis what he can do because he’s a top player.
“I would love him to stay and there is no part of me that wants to see him leave and I believe he has a long-term future here.”
Hard to see where Longstaff fits in at Newcastle now
As it stands, Longstaff will be leaving Newcastle United this summer. His contract expires at the end of the season.
But Howe’s words suggest that an extension is on the horizon.
It’s difficult to know what the right thing to do is in this instance. One the one hand, he isn’t playing, and Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival has only made things tougher for Longstaff.
Sadly, players will have to leave as the new owners look to take the club to new heights.
But Longstaff does have his worth. At 24-years-old, his best years are ahead of him and he can still improve massively.
On top of that, the fact he’s English and came through the club’s academy makes him a valuable asset to Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad.
And his homegrown status might be what keeps him at Newcastle in the short-term. In the long-term, it will be up to him to prove his worth.
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