Several Newcastle United players have sent heartwarming messages to Sean Longstaff after confirmation he has moved to Leeds United on a permanent transfer.
It was a sad day on Tyneside as fans knew a committed player who came through the ranks with the academy and made a name for himself in the first team.
Sean Longstaff has completed his move to Leeds United, leaving the Magpies without one of their backup options in midfield.
Newcastle United fans thanked Longstaff once the announcement had been made; they were aware he had lived the dream on Tyneside and had more than earned his move away.
Elsewhere, Alan Shearer wished Longstaff luck on social media. The Newcastle legend will surely also be gutted to see a local player leaving after so long/
With the dust beginning to settle, several Newcastle players have taken to social media to pay tribute to Longstaff and recognise the contributions he gave on and off the pitch.
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Newcastle United players thank Sean Longstaff on social media
Longstaff leaves Newcastle having been one of the few who graduated from the academy, making 214 senior appearances for the Magpies.
Some of his goals were the most important in the history of the club, with a brace against Southampton in the 2023 Carabao Cup semi-final a definite highlight. Elsewhere, fans will never forget his goal in Newcastle’s historic win against PSG in the Champions League.
Longstaff has since taken to Instagram to thank the Newcastle fans, and many of his now former teammates have responded.
New signing Anthony Elanga said: “Only shared a week together but felt like I known you for longer brother! Good luck legend.”
“Got a tear in my eye going to miss you so much buddy… been through so much together on the pitch you’re going to smash it.” said an emotional Joe Willock.
Tino Livramento added: “Thanks for everything brother, you’ll be a big big miss.”
The post also featured comments from the likes of Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Sandro Tonali, John Ruddy and even former Newcastle players like Elliot Anderson and Paul Dummett.
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Jacob Murphy fires tearjerking message to Sean Longstaff
Longstaff’s exit always felt like it was coming, but it is still understandably sad to see a local lad leave the club after so long.
His exit merely came down to game time. He was not going to get the minutes he wanted at Newcastle next season with the quality in the midfield, so a move away was his only other option.
In a tremendous act of valour, Longstaff told Newcastle to sell him this summer so the club would reap the benefits of his academy roots. His £15million sale counts as pure profit, a huge PSR boost.
Newcastle lost a loyal player in Longstaff and a great friend to many of his old teammates, including Jacob Murphy.
The 30-year-old made a post on Instagram saying: “8 years… some journey with you my boy. Wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else. Enjoy the next chapter brother.”
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