Newcastle United are suddenly short of a midfielder after selling Sean Longstaff.
The 27-year-old is officially a Leeds United player, with Newcastle United players issuing emotional goodbyes to Longstaff.
It was sad to see Longstaff leave Newcastle United. He is a local lad who lived out his dream, but it was the right time for him to depart. Eddie Howe wanted to keep Longstaff, but selling him was essential in the world of PSR.
But the decision means Newcastle suddenly have just five senior centre-midfielders as opposed to six. It has been claimed that Newcastle will look to sign a Longstaff replacement, and the perfect option is suddenly more available than ever.
James McAtee makes transfer decision as Newcastle United eye a new midfielder
It was reported earlier this summer that Newcastle United are looking at James McAtee.
The midfielder has been expected to leave Manchester City, and his future at the Etihad Stadium has now taken another twist.
According to Sky Sports, McAtee has turned down the chance to play for an overseas club as his preference is to stay in England.
Sky Sports add that Nottingham Forest are keen, but this could be a chance for Newcastle United to sign the Longstaff replacement they are looking for.
McAtee would be an upgrade on Longstaff, who struggled to have an impact in black and white once he lost his place in the starting XI. He was unable to influence games as a substitute, whereas McAtee has the guile and creativity to do exactly that.
The 22-year-old also has the versatility that Longstaff does not possess, with McAtee capable of operating out wide as well as centrally.
The problem Newcastle United have as they aim to replace Sean Longstaff
While McAtee would be an exciting addition to the Newcastle United squad, it will be difficult for the Magpies to recruit a Longstaff replacement.
Before leaving, Longstaff was Newcastle’s sixth-choice centre-midfielder. He had slipped down the pecking order.
Whoever arrives at St James’ Park will want to be much closer to the starting XI. For instance, McAtee is not going to move to Tyneside if he is not guaranteed regular minutes.
However, those are guarantees that might not be on offer at Newcastle United. Lewis Miley is expected to play more this season, while it can be argued that Newcastle already have one of the Premier League’s best midfield trios in Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
That could make it difficult for Newcastle to tempt a midfielder to the club, whether it is McAtee or someone else.
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