Newcastle United confirmed the sale of Sean Longstaff to Leeds United on Friday evening, ending his nearly two-decade-long stay with his boyhood club.
There is no doubt this is the end of an era on Tyneside. Another academy graduate leaves the club, but this one is special.
Sean Longstaff has officially left Newcastle United, signing for Leeds United for £15million. The 27-year-old fell out of favour with Eddie Howe upon Sandro Tonali’s return from suspension, so it was always going to be difficult for him to find his way back into the starting XI.
Newcastle will look to replace Longstaff this summer, with the likes of Jack Rudoni listed as candidates to succeed them. However, there are several other positions which need improving before a deal can be done for midfield improvements.
Leeds are getting an exceptional player in Longstaff, one who will give their all for the badge and will stop at nothing to find success. The midfielder will also give his all for his teammates, which was evident when he jumped to the staunch defence of Joelinton when he had only just become a midfielder.
- Who is Sean Longstaff? The homegrown Carabao Cup winner who departed Newcastle United
Sean Longstaff jumped to the defence of Joelinton in 2021
Two years after he signed, many were wondering whether Joelinton would ever make it at Newcastle. His performances as a striker left much to be desired, but a bizarre turn of events saw him become one of the most feared midfielders in the Premier League.
Joelinton was moved into midfield by Howe after Ciaran Clark was sent off during a game against Norwich City in November 2021, and the rest was history. His breakout performance as a midfielder was undoubtedly in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, where he ran the show.
In a post-match interview, the Sky Sports pundit admitted he did not realise the Brazilian was as good as he was playing, a comment which made Longstaff immediately jump to defend his teammate.
“Honestly, if you ask anyone in the dressing room we know he’s that good regardless of what the outside people say,” Longstaff said.
“I think the disrespect he gets is a disgrace to be honest.
“I can honestly say everyday in training he’s the best player. If he’s on your team, you’re winning. If you get Joel you’re sort of buzzing.
“He’s shown since the manager came in what he’s been like in training. Everyone at the club rates him so highly.
“The noise from outside is so disrespectful and if you watch him enough you see how good he is.”
Sean Longstaff must compete against Joelinton after Newcastle United exit
Several Newcastle players wished Longstaff well on social media after the announcement that he was leaving. It will be strange to see the 27-year-old wear anything other than black and white next season, but he has a big chance to find success elsewhere and prove to Howe why he should have been playing much more often.
Newcastle fans know Longstaff has lived the dream on Tyneside, winning the cup and playing in some of the club’s most important games.
However, friendships will have to be put aside next season, as Newcastle and Leeds will be coming up against each other at least twice.
The Magpies travel to Elland Road in late August for a Saturday night game before Leeds travel to St James’ Park in January 2026. The Geordies will surely give Longstaff a warm welcome on his return home, just like they did for Elliot Anderson when Nottingham Forest visited last season.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
