Sean Longstaff aims subtle comment at Eddie Howe after leaving Newcastle for £15m Leeds United move

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Sean Longstaff has given his first interview as a Leeds United player after completing a £15million move away from boyhood club Newcastle United.

After missing out on first-team football for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign, Sean Longstaff knew his time on Tyneside was up.

The 27-year-old was eager to play much more often than he was at Newcastle United, but the quality of their midfield made it very unlikely for him to break back in. Realising his time on Tyneside was all but over, Longstaff made the move to Leeds United for £15million.

In a huge act of respect to his boyhood club, Longstaff told Newcastle to sell him this summer, so they could receive pure profit from his sale and significantly increase their stance with PSR. Longstaff made 214 appearances with the Magpies, a sensational number given he graduated from an academy side which was lacking quality at the time.

Newcastle players sent emotional messages to Longstaff after his exit was confirmed, but the midfielder appeared to make a subtle dig towards his lack of game time on Tyneside in his first interview as a Leeds player.

• Who is Sean Longstaff? The homegrown Carabao Cup winner who departed Newcastle United

Sean Longstaff makes subtle dig towards Eddie Howe after Newcastle United exit

Alan Shearer wished Longstaff luck on social media following a very emotional announcement. The Newcastle legend is fully aware of the contributions he has given to the club and will be hoping for nothing but the best for him at Leeds.

Elsewhere, Newcastle fans recognised Longstaff lived the dream upon his departure. The 27-year-old played his part in the Magpies’ historic Carabao Cup win, by scoring the winning spot-kick in the shootout against Nottingham Forest in the second round.

While Longstaff will be recognised for his contributions on Tyneside for years to come, he appears to have aimed a subtle dig at Eddie Howe and his lack of minutes with Newcastle last season.

Speaking on Leeds’ YouTube channel upon signing, Longstaff said: “I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me. Being an academy player, sometimes you don’t get that all the time.

“To get that feeling of want and this is what we want and you’re part of the plans. It’s really exciting.

“It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.”

Longstaff’s words suggest he feels he was not wanted at Newcastle, especially after Sandro Tonali returned from his ban.

What Eddie Howe said about Sean Longstaff’s Newcastle United future before Leeds move

It will not be long before fans get to see Longstaff in action against his former club. Newcastle take on Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday, August 30. The game has been selected for the evening kick-off, so it will most likely be broadcast on Sky Sports.

Longstaff is set to play a major role in Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League since 2023. Daniel Farke did not give up on his pursuit of the midfielder, even when it looked as if the two clubs were apart in their valuation.

It always felt as if Longstaff was going to leave, especially after comments from Howe regarding his involvement in the first team towards the end of last season.

When asked about Longstaff, Howe said: “Sean has a contract for next year, so the control is very much in his hands in terms of what he wants to do with his long-term future.

“But we’re certainly delighted to have him as one of our players.

“I don’t think I have to motivate him. I shouldn’t have to motivate him; he should motivate himself. He’s here representing the club that he loves, so there should be no issue with motivation. He has to be ready to take a chance when it comes.

“I think any train of thought I have to motivate anyone, I can’t do that with 25 players. Sean is motivated. He’s been brilliant behind the scenes and he is training well. He’s got undoubted qualities.”