It’s already looking very worrying for 24-year-old under Eddie Howe at Newcastle – Opinion

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One player who has hardly featured for Newcastle United is Sean Longstaff. With an important and busy Christmas period ahead, players like Longstaff may get to play and prove themselves.

It should be noted that the 24-year-old’s contract runs out in June next year, so performances will be essential if he’s to get a new deal on Tyneside.

Top performances from other midfielders are keeping Longstaff out

Since Eddie Howe has come into the role, many players have thrived under him. Additionally, a lot of those strong performers have come from midfield.

In particular, Jonjo Shelvey has really stepped up his role in central midfield. Against the likes of Brentford and Burnley, he’s been praised as one of the best performers on the pitch.

Adding to that, it appears that Longstaff is low down in the pecking order. Howe has opted to play Shelvey alongside Joe Willock, with Issac Hayden making appearances off the bench. Whereas Longstaff has only made one brief feature under Howe against Brentford.

Ultimately what will be a struggle for Longstaff is the resurgance of Shelvey. He and Shelvey are both somewhat similar players and wouldn’t necessarily play alongside each other.

In addition, another concern from a Longstaff perspective it is evident that Willock and Hayden are ahead of him in the pecking order. Both have not necessarily hit the ground running this season, however, the fact they’re still getting minutes over him suggests Howe doesn’t rate him.

He’ll have to capitalise on any opportunity or summer exit looks likely

It seems like a lifetime ago that Sean Longstaff was linked to a move with Manchester United. The Red Devils valued Longstaff at £50m in the summer of 2019.

Without a doubt, Longstaff will be allowed to see out his contract if he continues his current trajectory at Newcastle. To have any chance of earning a new deal he will need to find his form from back in 2019 under Rafa Benitez.

Now is his best chance to take that opportunity. An influx of games is approaching so any minutes he’s given will need to be grasped by the midfielder. Furthermore, the January transfer will likely see some new faces on Tyneside so this could be the end of Sean Longstaff.

Last summer and even recently rumours have circulated that Everton is interested. His ex-boss Rafa Benitez is apparently interested and wants to be reunited with Longstaff.

With minimal minutes and transfer speculation, it looks as if Sean Longstaff will be leaving Newcastle United fairly soon. His contract runs out in the summer and with spaces needed to bring in new recruits, Longstaff could be axed.