Leeds United-bound Sean Longstaff has done something at Newcastle no other Premier League player has in two seasons

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Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.

With 171 Premier League appearances to his name, Sean Longstaff will become Leeds United’s most experienced player in that regard.

Having fallen down Eddie Howe’s pecking order, and being in the final year of his deal at St. James’ Park, Longstaff is in search of regular first-team opportunities.

Longstaff was first linked to Leeds back in March 2024. However, the third Leeds offer of £12 million was knocked back despite positive noises coming out from the Newcastle end of the deal.

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Sean Longstaff’s running stats for Newcastle will excite Leeds fans

It was then said Longstaff could have been signed last weekend but things are now accelerating towards a conclusion after a delay.

David Ornstein revealed last night Leeds had broken through for Longstaff. Earlier that day, it had been reported that Newcastle were targeting close to £20 million for Longstaff.

The latest is that Leeds and Newcastle have agreed on a £15 million fee for Longstaff, including add-ons. He will add depth and quality to a midfield comprising Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, and Ilia Gruev currently.

Sandro Tonali believes Longstaff is underrated, and that particular aspect will be music to the ears of Leeds supporters. It is also underlined by the latest reveal from Opta Analyst’s Jamie Kemp.

Per Opta’s database, Kemp states Longstaff has the highest distance covered per 90 average (12.3km) across the last two PL seasons with a minimum of 2500 minutes played.

He argues that Leeds need more than legs to stay up, but that it is clear to see Leeds’ idea in picking up Longstaff. Kemp believes it is a signing you’d at least expect to elevate how Leeds can compete.

Longstaff is now set for a Leeds medical, which he should pass with flying colours if his physical data is anything to go by. His intensity, work-rate, and general engine will add plenty to what is already a strong-looking engine room.

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Leeds insider explains the rationale for signing Longstaff

Longstaff was once linked with a move to Man United, which perhaps explains why so many coaches in the game hold him in such high regard.

Leeds United News revealed exclusively the rationale for Leeds and the 49ers signing Longstaff over a month ago now. One source detailed to us the out-of-possession aspect of Longstaff’s game alongside his sheer size, frame, and physicality.

That is imperative to add to a Leeds team lacking in height, plus his versatility in numerous different types of midfield roles is valued as well. One other critical aspect is that Longstaff is happy to crash the box and break beyond the last line.

That ability to arrive in the box to score is something Leeds will need from their deeper midfielder this season. However, above all else is that the club “know he can compete in the league to a reliable level”.

It was also stated that he is “the type of signing the club never made in their last Premier League stint” after numerous signings were not domestic-based in the summer windows of 2022 and 2023 particularly.