How Newcastle United feel about Sean Longstaff leaving and what could happen next

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Newcastle United have made a significant sale this summer following the confirmation that Sean Longstaff has left the club.

Longstaff has left Newcastle United to sign for Leeds in a deal that could reach up to £15million if the criteria for various add-ons are met.

While it’s sad to see the midfielder go after such a long association with the club, the money received will no doubt help Newcastle.

Indeed, Longstaff is a product of the Newcastle United academy, so the entire transfer fee will go down as ‘pure profit’ on the club’s balance sheet.

In a world dominated by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), that is a major boost.

Still, Longstaff’s departure leaves a space in the Newcastle United squad. With that in mind, Geordie Boot Boys spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey.

• READ MORE: Alan Shearer sends three-word message after Sean Longstaff leaves Newcastle United

Newcastle United not looking at direct Sean Longstaff replacement

Bailey has revealed that Newcastle felt the Leeds offer was just too good to turn down. Longstaff had only a year left on his contract, and could feasibly have walked away as a free agent next summer.

Now, however, they have been handed a ‘pure profit’ boost for a player who wasn’t in the starting lineup anyway.

In terms of a replacement, Bailey suggests that a direct one may not be sought. Joe Willock and Lewis Miley add competition to the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

While Newcastle are looking at a midfield signing, it may not necessarily be as a direct replacement for Longstaff. Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni has been linked, although is seen as more of an attacking option.

“I believe that Longstaff’s departure merely means they go with Miley and Willock – they are looking at midfield but a direct replacement might not be needed,” he said.

“Rudoni is very much a no 10 – not a like for like with Longstaff.

“Longstaff with a year left was just too good a deal not to do.”

Elliot Anderson reacts to Sean Longstaff leaving Newcastle United

Tino Livramento was sad to see Longstaff leave Newcastle and was not alone in that.

The 27-year-old lived the dream on Tyneside. While he didn’t always have it easy, Longstaff scored in some of Newcastle’s biggest games in modern history and lifted the Carabao Cup earlier this year.

Elliot Anderson, another academy product, left St James’ Park last year.

Newcastle didn’t want to sell Anderson but were forced to as they looked to avoid a potential points deduction if they had breached the PSR rules.

After Longstaff took to Instagram to thank Newcastle for everything, Anderson responded with “Done the badge proud”.