Newcastle chiefs make Sean Longstaff contract decision amid January exit reports

Add as preferred source on Google

The hierarchy at St James’ Park have made up their minds on Sean Longstaff’s future at Newcastle United.

Sean Longstaff has entered the final year of his deal at Newcastle, meaning the 27-year-old will leave as a free agent next summer if the club don’t act quickly.

The Newcastle academy product, who is celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, has been giving Eddie Howe selection headaches this season with plenty of options in central midfield.

Eddie Howe has been eager to try and find a balance with the midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, but while that combination is full of star power, they don’t necessarily compliment each other’s qualities.

Longstaff has made 10 appearances this season but has been reduced to a substitute role in recent weeks. However, after the poor run of form, Howe is ready to recall Longstaff as a starter.

Sean Longstaff linked with January exit from Newcastle

Howe has admitted that central midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position with an abundance of options in that area.

Lewis Miley is still yet to return from injury while Joe Willock is also pushing to try and start in midfield in a more advanced role.

Given Newcastle’s depth in midfield as well as their struggles with the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, Longstaff has been linked with a January exit from Newcastle.

It has been reported that six Newcastle players will be up for sale in January and Longstaff is included in that list. Due to his status as an academy product, he would provide pure profit for the club if he is sold.

Newcastle chiefs make Sean Longstaff contract decision

Despite reports that Longstaff will be up for sale in January, Newcastle’s leadership have hatched a plan for his contract situation.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have decided to trigger the option to add an extra year to Longstaff’s contract as he is still viewed as an important member of the squad.

READ MORE: Sean Longstaff says Newcastle have two ‘world class’ players ahead of Bruno Guimaraes

They claim that Newcastle remain locked in talks with Longstaff over a new long-term contract with those negotiations ongoing for a while.

But the decision to trigger the extra year in his current deal protects Newcastle from losing Longstaff for free in the summer.