Newcastle have been hoping to secure the Longstaff brothers to the club with new contracts, and while Matty is seemingly on course to sign, Sean’s future seems less certain.
A report in the Telegraph claimed Sean’s agents are wanting him to be given one of Newcastle’s highest salaries, and the club are not prepared to do that at the present time.
It is a dangerous game for Newcastle to play, particularly given the interest that lingers from Manchester United’s summer pursuit of the young midfielder.
While Sean has not consistently replicated his superb form from last season, it is clear the talent is there, and as the old saying goes: form is temporary, class is permanent.
During the games he partnered his younger brother in this season, Sean looked like he was well on the way to rediscovering last season’s performance levels, especially when he dominated the midfield against Manchester United.
That should tell Newcastle’s hierarchy that a deal needs to be made sooner, not later, and both the club, and Sean’s agents, must realise there is negotiating room for a compromise.
A realistic salary somewhere in the middle would benefit everyone, and while he may not be the top earner at the club, he will certainly be nearer the upper echelons in the pecking order.
Newcastle risk losing Sean Longstaff if they delay a new deal too long
The longer talks are put on hold, the more encouragement they are offering potential interested parties, and if that happens, there is every likelihood the player’s head will be turned, followed by him packing his kit from the Newcastle changing rooms.
It would be criminal for Newcastle to let a player brought up on the banks of the Tyne leave for anywhere else, and would send the wrong message to any other young prospects contemplating a future at St James’ Park.
His form will return, and the club must see that. So forget about making him prove himself again – he already did that last season – and get him signed up to become the long-term future of Newcastle United’s midfield.
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