'Inspirational' midfielder officially departs Newcastle United as two-year contract agreed

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has sent his best wishes to the "inspirational" Matty Longstaff after the midfielder sealed a move to MLS side FC Toronto.

The 23-year-old was released by the Magpies in June but in the months after remained at the club's Benton training base as he completed his recovery from the ACL injury he sustained on Boxing Day 2022 during a loan spell at League Two side Colchester United.

Having worked his way back to fitness in the New Year, several Championship, League One and League Two clubs had expressed an interest, however Longstaff has decided to make the switch across the pond by signing a two-year contract with an option of a further year.

"I'm delighted for him, what an inspirational character," said Howe. "Of course, we've got close connections with his family with Sean and with Matty, we tried to look after him as best we could to get him back to full fitness.

"He's worked incredibly hard, he's an infectious guy and we wish him all the best."

Longstaff made 20 first-team appearances for Newcastle and scored three goals, his most memorable being his winning strike against Manchester United at St James' Park on his Premier League debut in 2019.

He penned a new contract at the end of the following season but saw his game time heavily restricted by then head coach Steve Bruce. Loan spells at Aberdeen, Mansfield Town and Colchester followed before being let go by United last year.

Despite the disappointment of not making a career at his boyhood club, Longstaff says he plenty to be grateful. In a recent interview with NewcastleWorld, he said: “I can’t thank Newcastle enough for what they’ve done.

"Everything I have needed, they’ve been there for me and I’ve been working with the physio Alex throughout. She’s been unbelievable and I’m very lucky with the way the manager and Dan Ashworth have dealt with me.

“They’ve allowed me to be around the building all of the time, they speak to me every day and keep me involved in everything. That shows the sort of people that are around the football club now, it’s not just about football with them, they’re about the human side of things too. They’ve been with me every step of the way.”