The lad who lived the dream has moved on - Sean Longstaff joins Leeds after 18 years at Newcastle United
Sean Longstaff, the boy who got to live every Geordie's ultimate dream, even managing something the great Alan Shearer never could, has now left Newcastle United.
The Newcastle United academy graduate pleaded to remain at the club in January when there was a lot of talk of him being sold. Sean Longstaff wanted to see the season out, feeling that the Magpies had a strong chance of lifting a trophy for the first time in 56 years.
His decision proved to be an excellent one, and the lad from North Shields got to do what his idols never could, and hoist silverware at Wembley playing for his boyhood club.
Longstaff was fully aware that his time at the club was running out, but after 18 years at St James' Park, they owed him that opportunity to be part of this legendary side.
Sean Longstaff has joined Leeds United
All good things must come to an end, though, and Sean Longstaff has now left Newcastle United to join Premier League new boys, Leeds United, for a reported £15 million.
Both clubs confirmed the move this evening, and the player himself posted an emotional video saying goodbye to the club he's supported since he was a boy. And, speaking to LUFC TV after his signing, he spoke about why he chose Leeds as his next destination.
“I remember obviously playing here as a little kid, nine, 10 years old. It is funny where life takes you. So to be back here now with the plans for the club and stuff, I think it is just really exciting to get going.
“I spoke to [Karl] Darlow straight away, but I have got to meet everyone. It seems like a really good group. I have heard great things. I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me. It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.
“It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest and I wasn’t just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place. I got to watch pretty much all the games and see a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball. Every time I came to play at Leeds the atmosphere was amazing it was always bouncing and a really tough place to play and just looking forward to having that on my side rather than having to play against.”
Do Newcastle replace Sean Longstaff?
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No, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley are adequate cover26%
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Yes, we need the depth74%
Newcastle's PSR impact has been reset this summer thanks to the Longstaff sale
The money Newcastle will receive from this transfer effectively cancels out the first year of amortisation for Anthony Elanga, which essentially means Newcastle haven't impacted their PSR headroom for this window, thanks to Longstaff being a 'pure profit sale'.
We're absolutely positive Longstaff will be a success at Leeds Unite,d and we wish him the best of luck on his new venture.
The question is now, do Newcastle replace him or do they feel they have enough cover in midfield?
