Newcastle United is poised to activate the one-year extension clause in midfielder Sean Longstaff’s contract. Longstaff, who has risen through the ranks of Newcastle’s youth academy, has made a significant impact on the first team since his debut in 2018. He has accumulated 192 appearances across all competitions, contributing 16 goals and 10 assists.
This season, the 26-year-old has already participated in 10 matches across the Premier League and the League Cup, although the team currently finds itself in 12th place in the league standings. His existing contract, signed in 2022 and reportedly worth £50,000 per week according to Capology, is set to expire at the end of this season. This situation would allow him to negotiate with other clubs starting in January, potentially leading to a free transfer in the summer.
Given Newcastle’s current financial position, it is crucial for the club to retain their players rather than losing them for nothing, regardless of their immediate plans for those players. Longstaff’s quality and experience would be valuable assets to the squad, and re-signing him to a new deal could also result in a transfer fee if he were to be sold in the future.
Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards reported on X that the club is ready to activate Longstaff’s extension clause. He further indicated that discussions about a long-term contract for the midfielder are ongoing, ensuring that he won’t be out of contract this summer. This information was shared as part of a broader conversation where Edwards also noted Newcastle’s interest in acquiring in-form Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo during the January transfer window. However, he cautioned that the club’s financial struggles could impede their ability to make substantial signings.
Newcastle’s previous summer transfer window proved to be challenging, with the club missing out on key targets like Marc Guehi. Ultimately, their only significant additions were William Osula and free agent Lloyd Kelly. As the Magpies continue to navigate their financial landscape, retaining talented players like Longstaff will be vital for the team’s future aspirations.