Report: What Newcastle board are now ‘expecting’ to happen with Sean Longstaff as Leeds bid rejected
United’s Pursuit of Sean Longstaff Hits a Wall – What Comes Next?
Leeds United’s persistent interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has once again been met with rejection, as their third attempt to lure the player to Elland Road fell flat. The Whites reportedly submitted a package worth up to £12 million—consisting of an initial £10 million fee and a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons—but the Magpies responded with a firm and immediate refusal.
This ongoing pursuit of Longstaff by Leeds is far from a new development. The club, particularly under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, has long admired the 27-year-old’s energy, work rate, and Premier League experience. With Leeds looking to bolster their midfield options ahead of a push for promotion, Longstaff was identified as a prime target. His contract situation only added fuel to the fire—he has entered the final year of his current deal at St James’ Park, making him an attainable target from both a financial and contractual standpoint.
From Newcastle’s perspective, selling Longstaff would represent pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), given he is a product of their youth academy. That financial gain, however, is offset by another consideration: squad registration rules, particularly with their return to the Champions League this season. As a homegrown player, Longstaff holds significant value when it comes to meeting UEFA’s and the Premier League’s squad regulations.
So far, Newcastle have held firm. Although Leeds may return with a fourth bid, journalist Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that while such a move is possible, the current belief within the Leeds camp is that a deal remains unlikely. For now, all eyes are on the player himself.
Longstaff’s Position: Torn Between Loyalty and Opportunity
Despite the growing uncertainty around his future, Sean Longstaff has handled the situation with professionalism. It is understood that the midfielder is open to a move, especially if it offers more regular playing time, but he has not agitated for an exit. Newcastle is his boyhood club, and he remains content to stay if the club chooses to retain him.
According to The Athletic, the Newcastle board continues to internally debate Longstaff’s role. They weigh up the benefits of keeping a loyal squad player who ticks the homegrown box against the financial advantages of selling a player they did not pay a transfer fee for. While no bid so far has convinced them to part ways with Longstaff, the growing need to sell players before making further purchases may change that stance as the summer progresses.
The Reality at Newcastle: A Crowded Midfield
Longstaff’s role at Newcastle has diminished significantly over the past year. With the club now boasting one of the most competitive midfield departments in the Premier League, he has slipped down the pecking order.
First-choice options include marquee names like Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimarães—players who combine strength, flair, and top-tier experience. When these players are unavailable, Eddie Howe turns to Joe Willock, a £25 million signing who has impressed in spells.
After Willock, it’s a fight between two homegrown talents: Longstaff and 18-year-old Lewis Miley. But the latter is highly rated within the club and is seen as one for both the present and future, meaning Longstaff may find himself overlooked entirely.
What complicates matters further is Newcastle’s continued interest in signing England international Conor Gallagher, currently at Atletico Madrid. If a deal for Gallagher materialises, it would push Longstaff even further down the depth chart—perhaps into seventh choice. And if Gallagher isn’t guaranteed a starting place, then Longstaff’s chances of featuring become virtually nonexistent.
The Crossroads: Time to Choose
The ball is now in Sean Longstaff’s court. If he is content to remain a squad player, train with the first team, and wait for opportunities that may never come, then Newcastle may choose to keep him. But if regular football is the priority, a move away—possibly to a club like Leeds—is the only logical step.
With the summer transfer window still open, and Leeds potentially weighing one final push, there’s still time for a twist in the tale. But for now, Sean Longstaff finds himself caught in limbo—valued but not essential, wanted but not released. The coming weeks will be crucial in
determining where his future lies.