Eddie Howe on Sean Longstaff - Why Newcastle United star is heading for £12m exit
Newcastle United are in negotiations with Leeds about a possible deal for long-serving midfielder Sean Longstaff.
Eddie Howe has already dropped several strong hints that Sean Longstaff is heading for a Newcastle United exit.
Actions speak louder than words - and the Toon boss has not started Longstaff in a Premier League game since December. Sandro Tonali’s emergence at the heart of midfield saw the North Shields native reduced to a bit-part player at St James’ Park.
His most recent Newcastle start came during the 3-2 FA Cup win over Birmingham City in February. That could very well be his last, with the Magpies understood to be locked in negotiations with Leeds United over a £12million deal.
Sean Longstaff move ‘best for all parties’
The move suits all parties, with Longstaff having a solid chance of first-team football at Premier League level. He has a young family in the North East and the location would suit the midfielder at this stage of his career.
As for Newcastle, any potential sale also generates pure profit on the PSR balance sheet given he is an academy product. However, an area of concern over UEFA’s club-trained policy may arise, with the Magpies only able to name a 21-man Champions League squad should Longstaff leave.
Eddie Howe on Sean Longstaff future
Howe has uncharacteristically admitted Longstaff could be on the move this summer. The 27-year-old cut a forlorn figure when passing the mixed zone after the trip to Brighton at the back end of last season.
“His role is to be ready to play, be ready to come on, and I've trusted him in big games where he has come on and played his part,” Howe said in April. "His long-term future is slightly more unclear but behind the scenes Sean has been good."
‘I don’t have to motivate’ - Eddie Howe
The Toon boss then doubled down on Longstaff weeks later, insisting the player needs to “motivate himself” to get back into the starting line-up. Howe told reporters: "I don't look at it that way. I don't have to motivate him. He should motivate himself - he is here representing the club he loves. He has to be ready to take his chance when it comes.
“Any train of thought that I have to - I can't do that for all 25 players. But Sean is motivated. He has been brilliant behind the scenes, he is training well and he's got undoubted qualities. He also has a contract for next year.
"The control is very much in his hands as to what he wants to do for his long-term future. And we are certainly delighted to have him. He's got our utmost respect - he's been a brilliant servant to the football club. He's still a very valued member of the squad with a big part to play."