How former Newcastle United ace Sean Longstaff rapidly became a fan favourite at Leeds United

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United over the summer, and the midfielder has swiftly become a fan favourite.

After nearly 20 years at Newcastle United, the time came for Sean Longstaff to depart this past summer.

The midfielder rose up through the ranks at Newcastle and emerged as a homegrown star under Rafa Benitez.

Longstaff racked up more than 200 appearances for Newcastle, but the 27-year-old decided to leave ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Leeds United pounced to sign Longstaff for around £12million, and he has made a strong start to life in Yorkshire.

Longstaff has impressed for Leeds, so we spoke to Will Butcher from Leeds United News for the Elland Road view…

How has Sean Longstaff managed to make himself so popular in such a short space of time at Leeds United?

Longstaff is popular because he embodies the Elland Road crowd. Loyal, incredibly hard-working, loves a tackle. Almost a modern-day David Batty, who is criminally underrated from a technical aspect.

Longstaff will put his boot in before slamming one into the top corner – like he did against Bournemouth. That is why Leeds fans love him, because he represents what Leeds is all about, with an added touch of magic.

Leeds paid around £12million for Longstaff. Do you think that price is now proving to be value for money?

The Athletic voted Longstaff, out of 155 summer signings, fifth. Leeds felt they could get value for money in the summer by targeting players in the final years of their deal; Gabi Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, James Justin and others.

Longstaff is not only a bargain because he was out of contract a year later, but he’s a bargain because he’s already shown he is better than anything £12m gets you these days.

How important will Longstaff be in Leeds’ survival hopes this season after his start to the season?

Longstaff has already made himself a leader, calling a huddle after Joe Rodon’s equaliser against Bournemouth on the pitch. He’s made himself the corner taker, already laying on two assists and he has more goals and assists combined than any Leeds player so far.

Leeds have signed players that can do a job. Bijol provides an aerial threat, Gudmundsson is solid defensively and provides the foil for an attack-minded Noah Okafor, Lucas Perri commands his penalty area, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin holds it up well. They all do one thing, well. 

Longstaff does everything well. If Leeds are going to stay up this season, Longstaff’s availability is crucial. It almost hinges on it.