Sean Longstaff was ‘struck’ by what Daniel Farke said during Leeds United phone call

Add as preferred source on Google

Sean Longstaff has been settling into a new chapter at Leeds United after spending his entire career in Newcastle.

It seems as though the new Leeds midfielder is already proving to be a hit after just 45 minutes, as fans were impressed with Longstaff against Man United.

The £15m deal looks to be good business for what Daniel Farke is getting, as Premier League experience and hard work come with the midfielder.

His signing brought glowing reviews and emotional goodbyes, as Longstaff explained his Leeds transfer is ‘bittersweet’.

Nevertheless, Longstaff is looking like a solid addition, and now the Leeds star has reflected back on what really brought him to Elland Road.

Sean Longstaff was left ‘struck’ after Leeds United phone call

The 27-year-old can add so many different qualities to Farke’s plans this season, as the former Newcastle player brings both an attacking mindset and defensive capabilities.

A Newcastle expert labelled Longstaff as ‘incredible’, with the 27-year-old being able to be a versatile option.

It’s clear that the 49ers have done well with this deal, but the decision to leave must have been a difficult one for Longstaff.

He’s been with the Toon Army his whole life, as Longstaff explained to The Athletic how it was what Farke said across a phone call which really stood out to him.

“One of the big things when I was deciding whether to come or not. You don’t want people just to tell you how good you are, and he didn’t,” Longstaff said.

“He said nice things, but one of the things that struck me from the conversation was, ‘I think I can improve you here, here and here’.

“Straight away, for me, it’s not, ‘We just want to get him here’. He’s obviously had a think and thought, ‘This is what I can improve’, which was massive for me.”

READ MORE: Igor Paixao reveals who he wants to join out of Leeds United and Marseille

Whether Longstaff makes Leeds’ starting midfield for Premier League opener

Even though Longstaff joining brings an array of different elements, Farke has a tough decision ahead of their Premier League opener on the 18th August.

This decision will rest on what setup he lays out and who starts in the midfield.

Farke is set to experiment with a 4-3-3 this campaign, which will see more freedom given to the middle of the park, and Farke’s experiment worked vs Man United.

Of course, Leeds traditionally play a 4-2-3-1, but with the success of the new formation, Farke could look to see how things go in their opening Premier League match.

This leaves the Leeds boss with a choice, as with Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, and Ethan Ampadu all available alongside Longstaff, it’s a tricky decision.

If Farke is looking for more solidity, the three named above would be the way to go, but if an attacking mentality is what he wants, Longstaff coming in for Ampadu or Stach should be the move.

Farke is sensible and will likely take the solidity route, potentially leaving Longstaff on the bench, but it’s certainly one to keep in mind.