Leeds United Eye Midfield Boost as Future Remains Unclear

Leeds United may look to strengthen their midfield ranks this summer, with Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff reportedly under consideration following the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old Geordie, a boyhood Newcastle United player, has seen his role diminish this season. Once a key figure, Longstaff has made just 12 appearances in all competitions during the current campaign, with only two coming in 2025 – both in the FA Cup, against Bromley and Birmingham City respectively.

Last term, Longstaff featured in 40 matches across all competitions, but has since slipped down the pecking order. Eddie Howe’s preferred midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton has left limited opportunities for the North Shields-born player, with Joe Willock and Lewis Miley also competing for places.

Leeds United, freshly promoted and eager to reinforce their squad, have reportedly identified Longstaff as a “potential target,” according to iPaper.

Eddie Howe Addresses Longstaff’s Role

Howe has previously spoken about Longstaff’s situation at St James’ Park, offering a frank assessment of his status in the squad.

“His role is to be ready to play, ready to come on and I have trusted him in big games where he has come on and played his part in those wins,” said Howe. “We are going to need the whole squad in our league season. We have nine massive games to come and everybody has to be ready.

“His long-term future is slightly more unclear. But what I can say is that behind the scenes, Sean has been very good, helping the group, training to a high level and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person.”

Though Longstaff’s contract had been set to expire this summer, Newcastle opted to trigger a clause extending his stay until June 2026 – a strategic decision aimed at retaining his market value and avoiding a free transfer exit.

PSR Influence on Homegrown Talent

Under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), selling homegrown academy players like Longstaff is financially advantageous, as it represents “pure profit” on the club’s books. Yet, Eddie Howe has voiced his reservations about such incentives.

“I think I’ve said before I don’t understand that rationale – why we’re in a position that you’re incentivised to sell academy products,” said Howe.

“So for us to put all the work into Elliot, the academy, the coaches, the time, to then see him leave and now flourish for another Premier League club isn’t something I think we should be in a position to do.

“It should be more of a level field, you can sell players and have the same effect that it was with Elliot. Of course it was all profit for us, his sale, that’s why we were incentivised to sell him.”

Longstaff Open to a New Chapter

Having joined Newcastle’s academy at the age of nine and broken through to the senior team in the 2018–19 season, Longstaff has experienced significant highs with his hometown club. Among his standout moments were a brace in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton and a goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Still, speaking in November 2024, Longstaff hinted that he might be open to a move if not valued enough by his current club.

“If it’s here it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not. I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here great. If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.”

“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game. I get to go to work every…”

Site Opinion

From Leeds United’s standpoint, the opportunity to sign a player of Longstaff’s calibre, with extensive Premier League experience and a proven track record in high-pressure matches, would be a smart and strategic move. His versatility and professionalism make him a reliable squad asset, especially for a newly promoted side looking to consolidate their top-flight status.

For Longstaff, this might be the right moment to seek a fresh challenge where he is more than a rotational figure. His comments suggest a readiness to embrace a new environment where his contributions are fully recognised. Leeds United could offer just that — a platform to rediscover his best form and a chance to play a pivotal role once again.