Leeds United have made their fifth summer signing ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, with Sean Longstaff sealing a switch from Newcastle United.
The 6’2″ midfielder featured as a starter in just 12 games in all competitions for Newcastle last season, with Leeds United swooping in to add more physicality and intensity to their midfield ranks.
Longstaff was first linked to Leeds back in March 2024 but a deal has finally been struck with Longstaff penning a four-year deal at Elland Road.
It’s a bittersweet feeling for Longstaff to leave his boyhood club, having been with them since the age of nine. However, his game time under Eddie Howe was dwindling and a fresh start should mean regular football.
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Alan Shearer reacts to Sean Longstaff’s move from Newcastle United to Leeds
It’s plausible that Longstaff could play for Leeds against Man United in Sweden this afternoon, with numerous ways Daniel Farke can feature Longstaff in midfield.
However, it’s been an emotional 48 hours for him after leaving Newcastle’s training camp in Austria, where his teammates and other geordies are gutted to be losing him to Leeds.
Sandro Tonali believes Longstaff is underrated but it is a former Newcastle teammate that helped convince the 27-year-old midfielder, with Karl Darlow explaining Leeds as a club to Longstaff.
Alan Shearer has been full of praise for Longstaff previously, too. The Newcastle and Premier League legend joined TV presenters Ant and Dec in sending Longstaff well wishes.
On Instagram, Longstaff wrote: “Thank you for everything, @nufc 🖤🤍”
His brother Matty responded: “My hero ❤️”
Shearer said: “Good luck Sean. 🙏🏻🖤🤍”
And Ant and Dec’s response read: “😢❤️❤️”
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Sean Longstaff explains what his dad said to him after joining Leeds
Longstaff has already been handed the number-eight shirt, it seems. It signifies that he will be a key component of Leeds’ side next term, even if they have a number of options in their engine room.
Speaking to Michael Bridges upon signing, Longstaff explained his dad’s impact on sealing the move from his boyhood club to West Yorkshire.
He said: “To be honest, I think he’s really excited for us. He said the best thing he’s ever done in his career was moving away from home and coming out of your comfort zone.
“I think he wanted us to do it for a little while, to be honest. I think he’s happy that I’ve done it and I think he’s hoping that it can bring the best out of me — and I’m hoping the same thing.
“As long as we’re playing and happy, I think we’re always happy. He’s looking forward to watching us all the time.”
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