Newly promoted Leeds United have completed the signing of midfielder Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United in a deal worth £12 million plus potential add-ons, marking the end of the 27-year-old’s 18-year association with his boyhood club.
A New Chapter at Elland Road
Longstaff, who had entered the final year of his Newcastle contract, has committed to a four-year deal with Leeds. The move reunites him with manager Daniel Farke and provides fresh opportunities after a reduced role at St James’ Park last season, where he managed just eight Premier League starts.
“From the first conversation with Leeds, I felt their genuine desire to bring me in,” Longstaff told LUTV. “It’s a club with massive stature, similar to Newcastle in its passion, and the electric atmosphere at Elland Road was always daunting as an opponent—now I can’t wait to experience it as a home player.”
Newcastle Departure After Mixed Season
The North Shields native departs having made 214 appearances for Newcastle, though his involvement dwindled in 2023/24 (787 league minutes) amid competition from Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton. Despite being an unused substitute in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool, his contributions included a memorable Champions League goal against PSG in 2023.
Leeds’ Summer Rebuild Continues
Longstaff becomes Leeds’ fifth summer signing, joining defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and forward Lukas Nmecha. The Whites had initially seen a £10m bid rejected before agreeing to Newcastle’s valuation.
Family Ties and Fresh Start
The transfer holds personal significance for Longstaff, whose uncle, Alan Thompson (ex-Bolton, Celtic, and Aston Villa), also represented Leeds late in his career. Now, the midfielder aims to reignite his playing time as Leeds prepare for a Premier League opener against Everton (18 August) following pre-season fixtures against Manchester United, Villarreal, and AC Milan.
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