Sean Longstaff needs minutes to satisfy Newcastle contract demands

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Sean Longstaff has reportedly been offered a new contract by Newcastle United.

The midfielder’s current deal expires this summer, and The Times reported at the weekend that he’s been offered a four-year extension.

That would tie him down to the Magpies until 2026. Goodness knows where we could be by then given the impact the new owners have already had.

It’s an exciting time to be a Newcastle fan and player. Luckily for Longstaff, he’s both.

But does his future belong at St James’ Park? Well, the Chronicle have reported that the 24-year-old wants assurances about his game time for the Magpies.

While Newcastle have thrived in 2022, Longstaff hasn’t played too big a role in the resurgence. Since the turn of the year, he’s started just three times in the Premier League. He’s also made five appearances off the bench.

Eddie Howe needs to use final games to prove a point to Sean Longstaff amid contract speculation

With the season winding to a close, Longstaff is edging closer to leaving Newcastle for nothing.

Eddie Howe has been very vocal in his desire to keep the midfielder, but now he needs to show how much he wants to keep him.

Newcastle have three games to go this season, and Longstaff should feature in all three. Howe needs to use the remaining games to prove to Longstaff that he has a place in this midfield.

It won’t be easy for Longstaff to impress. We’ve got Manchester City away, Champions League chasing Arsenal then Burnley who could still be fighting for survival on the final day.

They’re big games for Newcastle, and Howe must show he trusts Longstaff to feature in all three, whether that’s from the start or off the bench.

As a local lad, Longstaff understands the importance of representing the Magpies. He’ll no doubt be very keen to be a part of this exciting journey, but he needs to think of his own career too.

Howe says he wants to keep him; now is the time to prove it. Otherwise, Longstaff may rule with his head over his heart and decide to leave.