Newcastle United confirm player departure to League One club

Newcastle United have confirmed the departure of under-23s winger Rosaire Longelo to Accrington Stanley.

The 22-year-old joined the Magpies’ academy from West Ham United in 2018 and went on to make 73 appearances for the club’s second string.

Longelo was out-of-contract at the end of the season and has joined the League One side for an undisclosed fee after enjoying a successful two-game trial period in November.

What Steve Harper said about Longelo’s departure

Steve Harper, academy manager at Newcastle, said: “Rosaire has reached the age where he needs to be playing first-team football and we’re happy to have helped him get the opportunity to do so.

“We’d like to thank Ros for his contribution since his arrival at the club and wish him all the best in the future. Good luck, Ros!”

What Accrington manager Jon Coleman said about Longelo’s arrival

Coleman told Accrington's website: “He is someone who came to our notice and he came and trained with us and played a game with the Under-23s.

“He will give us something a bit different, he will take people on, he likes to carry the ball and he will excite the fans. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Interest from elsewhere

During the latter stages of last year, Crawley Town boss John Yems also expressed an interest in Longelo.

Yems told the Crawley Observer: “I am always looking for good players to improve this squad, so anyone who becomes available who we fancy we will be interested.

“We are interested in him, and he is interested in us. At the moment two or three clubs are interested but I am not going to get caught playing off against other people.”