Newcastle United announce three-year contract agreement with midfielder

Newcastle United have announced that Sean Longstaff has signed a new three-year contract.

The Geordie midfielder’s deal was due to expire at the end of the season, however, like Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett in recent weeks, has committed his future to the Magpies.

Despite starting just six games in 2022, head coach Eddie Howe has spoken of his admiration for Longstaff and his desire to keep him at St James’ Park.

With injuries to Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey, the 24-year-old has featured in the starting XI against Manchester City, Arsenal and Burnley - particularly impressing the latter two.

‘He has his best years ahead of him’ - Eddie Howe

Reacting to Longstaff’s new deal, Howe said: “It’s great news that Sean has committed his future to the club. He is a great professional and an outstanding player who is incredibly passionate about playing for Newcastle United.

“His attitude and commitment since I arrived have been first class on and off the pitch and he played a big part in us climbing the table and finishing the season as strongly as we did.

“At 24, he has his best years ahead of him and I’m excited to see his development continuing.”

Longstaff progressed through the Magpies academy ranks before being handed his first-team debut in August 2018 by Rafa Benitez.

The midfielder is five short of 100 appearances for his boyhood club.

‘I’m over the moon’ - Sean Longstaff

Longstaff said: “I’m over the moon. To sign for three more years at your hometown club - especially with the way the club’s going and what the owners are putting in place - is really special for me and my family, and a day I’ll never forget.

“You need to be in the right place to learn and keep improving, and since the first day the new manager’s come in, I’ve loved every second of working with him.

“Being able to work with him every day, and his staff, they always want to help you get better and I think that’s the biggest thing for me. I speak to the manager loads, and he’s assured me that he wants to keep helping me improve and the goals he thinks I can achieve.

“They align with what I think I can achieve as well. It’s really special. Everyone is moving in the same direction and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”