Sean Longstaff has been pushed further down the pecking order at Newcastle United this season.
The midfielder was a big player in Newcastle United’s historic 2022/23 campaign which saw them return to the Champions League after 20 years, but things have not been easy for the Geordie this season.
Sean Longstaff has been limited to a small number of starts in the Premier League alongside long spells as an unused substitute as a result of Sandro Tonali’s return to Newcastle’s first-team squad following his 10-month ban.
The Italian has been sensational since his return in August 2024. Eddie Howe plays Tonali in a deeper midfield role which has brought a new lease of life to the Magpies midfield. Captain Bruno Guimaraes has much more freedom to roam around the pitch, and his attacking returns have reflected the benefits of it.
So far this season, Guimaraes has scored twice and bagged six assists in the Premier League and could add to his tally when Newcastle host Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
For Longstaff, there is a chance he could return to the starting XI in that game with Joelinton’s absence with injury and Joe Willock’s lack of consistent form, but must prove to Howe that he deserves the spot over 18-year-old Lewis Miley who has impressed in his small cameos this season.
With Longstaff’s future in doubt, recent words from Chris Waugh have revealed why the 27-year-old opted to stay at the club, despite interest from elsewhere.
Sean Longstaff’s decision to stay at Newcastle
Longstaff was subject to transfer speculation during the January window. Everton wanted Longstaff but the Newcastle academy graduate ultimately decided against a move.
Reports after the window closed suggested that Longstaff was not ready to leave Newcastle yet. Longstaff’s one-year extension was triggered by Newcastle in 2024, but the belief is that was to retain his transfer value.
Now, according to the Athletic, Longstaff decided against leaving Newcastle as he was not interested in signing for any bottom-half clubs that registered an interest in January.
Waugh also confirmed that Miley’s comeuppance has now moved ahead of Longstaff in the pecking order. Miley’s much more expansive skill set and potential are believed to be Howe’s preference.
Howe praised Miley’s performance in the humiliating defeat to Manchester City, commending his ‘bravery’.
Newcastle have a long-term star in Lewis Miley
In recent weeks, Miley has enjoyed small cameos for the Magpies which are bound to only better his development in the long run. The 18-year-old missed the beginning of the season after suffering a metatarsal injury.
Howe is a big admirer of Miley and made a point to state that he would not be leaving on loan in January.
So far this campaign, Miley has made 10 appearances in all competitions, scoring once in an FA Cup win against Bromley. His influence has been felt by players within the first team as well.
After scoring against Bromley, Guimaraes congratulated Miley on social media – the post also included comments from the likes of Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and former Toon star Elliot Anderson.
At such a young age, Newcastle fans will agree that the sky is the limit for the talented Miley.
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