Newcastle United could be set to wave goodbye to a few players this summer.
Naturally, much of the focus at Newcastle United at the end of the season will likely be on what players they can bring into the club.
However, equally as important will be who leaves. In an ideal world, Eddie Howe would keep all of his best players but sales may need to be made in order to generate funds for signings of their own.
That’s not to suggest any of the club’s elite stars will be off, just that previously important figures in the Newcastle United squad could leave.
Indeed, Howe has described Sean Longstaff as Newcastle’s “unsung hero”, having played through the pain barrier during the 2022/23 campaign.
Still, the time could be ticking on Longstaff’s journey at Newcastle.
Newcastle United prepared to let Sean Longstaff leave this summer
Everton have been linked with Longstaff, who has been limited to only 12 starts across all competitions this season.
While Newcastle have triggered the option to extend his contract until the summer of 2026 in order to protect the midfielder’s value, they seemingly won’t stand in his way if a suitable offer comes in.
Leeds are interested in Longstaff too, so there would appear to be a market for him this summer.
According to Dominic Scurr of The Shields Gazette, Newcastle are prepared to let their academy graduate leave.
Eddie Howe’s big prediction about Sean Longstaff
It would be a shame to see the Newcastle United academy graduate leave. Howe might have more compelling options in midfield right now but the 27-year-old’s contribution over the last few seasons cannot be overlooked.
Longstaff has made 213 appearances for his boyhood club and was part of the squad who won the Carabao Cup back in March. While not a regular starter, he’s played a key role in some of their biggest games in recent memory.
His strikes against Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-final of 2023 can hardly be forgotten.
Still, first-team football has been hard to come by and wanting to move in pursuit of it is certainly understandable.
Howe believes Longstaff could become a manager one day, such is his level of understanding of the game.
Perhaps one day he’ll return to Newcastle in a different kind of capacity, should Longstaff leave this summer…
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