Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has become the subject of increased transfer speculation, with Leeds United reportedly stepping up their interest as they prepare for their Premier League return. However, complications around UEFA regulations could disrupt any move.
Longstaff, a native of North Shields and a long-serving figure at St James’ Park, was expected to leave the club this summer when his contract was initially set to expire on June 30. However, Newcastle have since exercised a one-year extension clause in his contract, securing his services for another season. Despite this move, interest in the 27-year-old remains strong.
Both Leeds United and Everton have emerged as potential suitors for Longstaff, who has found himself on the periphery of Eddie Howe’s plans. Once a regular and a key component of Howe’s midfield, Longstaff’s influence diminished significantly during the 2024-25 campaign. His last Premier League start came in a 4-2 defeat to Brentford in December, and with the likes of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes forming the preferred midfield trio, Longstaff has struggled for game time. Even teenager Lewis Miley often came off the bench ahead of him.
Leeds Eyeing Bargain Move for Experienced Midfielder
With Leeds eager to solidify their top-flight status under the ownership of 49ers Enterprises, Longstaff has reportedly made it onto their summer shortlist. The Yorkshire club, backed by a potential transfer budget of around £150 million, sees the acquisition of Longstaff—who may be available for as little as £10 million due to his contract situation—as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
The midfielder has amassed more than 200 senior appearances for Newcastle and even featured in the UEFA Champions League during the 2022-23 season. His homegrown status, having come through Newcastle’s youth academy, also makes him a financial asset. Under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), selling Longstaff would count as pure profit for Newcastle’s books.
UEFA Homegrown Quota a Complicating Factor
However, Newcastle face a significant issue when it comes to UEFA’s strict homegrown player regulations, which could complicate any decision to offload Longstaff. With the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League next season, they are required to register at least four “club-trained” players in their European squad. These must be individuals who spent three years at the club between the ages of 15 and 21.
Currently, Sean Longstaff is the only first-team player who qualifies under this rule. Promising teenager Lewis Miley, while seen as a rising star, does not meet the age requirement. Similarly, backup goalkeeper Mark Gillespie does not qualify due to being released from the club’s academy at age 16.
This puts Newcastle in a delicate position: if they part ways with Longstaff, they risk falling short of UEFA’s homegrown quota, which would lead to a reduction in the number of players allowed in their Champions League squad.
Longstaff Addresses Uncertain Future
In recent comments, Longstaff hinted at his openness to a new challenge while reaffirming his love for Newcastle United:
“Yeah, if it’s here (Newcastle), it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not. I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great. If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.
In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game. I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends, I don’t know what’s coming ahead. I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”
Whether Longstaff will stay and remain a homegrown cornerstone for Newcastle or embark on a new chapter with Leeds remains to be seen. However, UEFA’s regulations may force the Magpies to think twice before sanctioning a deal that could weaken their European squad depth.
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