Promoted Leeds United are close to a deal for long-serving Sean Longstaff
Thomas Fair Community Editor
09:00, 17 Jul 2025
Sean Longstaff has been linked with a move to Leeds United(Image: Getty Images)
Newly-promoted Leeds United are close to sealing a £12 million deal for long-serving Magpies midfielder Sean Longstaff – and fans in the Chronicle Live comments section are telling the West Yorkshire club that they’re getting an absolute ‘steal’ for their money.
A deal has been agreed in principle to move on the Geordie, who made his debut for the club in 2018 under the reign of Rafa Benitez. Longstaff offers Leeds plenty of Premier League experience, and will likely get more playing time there after falling down the pecking order on Tyneside.
Neither Newcastle nor Longstaff were pushing for his departure, but the player told Chronicle Live after Elliot Anderson’s move to Nottingham Forest: “With Elliot, it shows that sometimes you have to go away to show your value and show how good you are. I am really happy for him.”
His transfer could herald more incoming business for Eddie Howe, creating room for a potential deal for Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike after securing the signature of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Many fans are saying that the local lad can leave with their blessing, and that Leeds are getting a great deal. Reader KEGS11 says: “This is the best outcome both for Newcastle, and Longstaff. Thanks for your service and good luck at Leeds.”
Commenter PipHorn writes: “Good luck to the lad. He will get more game time at Leeds. I wish him all the best and thank him for his years of service.”
Tumbla says: “Best of luck Sean. You’re one of the very few to represent your home club with distinction and pride. You never let the club or yourself down. The ultimate professional. Thanks bonny lad.”
1snowbear writes: “At £12M plus, Leeds have a steal, a midfielder with PL & CL experience. NUFC have lost a good squad member, good luck Sean!” LC06 agrees: “12m? But one year in his contract. Good luck son!”
Leeds are looking good on their summer business according to Thescoreboard: “Signing of the season out of the 3 promoted clubs!”
Hotmog69 backed him up and couldn’t resist a little dig at rivals Sunderland, who just signed Habib Diarra, adding: “100 percent mate… you can’t find Premier League midfielders with his amount of experience for £12 million pounds. Sunderland have just gambled on a kid who was playing in an average Strasbourg team for £30 million, then Leeds get a proven Premier League player who gives 100 percent every time he plays and hardly gets injured.
“If Leeds get another 3 or 4 similar deals done, then I know who I’d give the best chance of staying up to. Youth and experience mixed together seems to be Leeds formula, and it’s looking like the set-up that will keep them in the league.”
ChrisToonBarmyArmy writes: “As a born Geordie it must be a wrench for him to leave, but you can understand why he needs to go and fulfil his footballing journey. He has done what hundreds of thousands of young lads in the North East dream of doing, but very, very few manage.
“He has been a great player and ambassador of our club, both on the pitch and off it. He can be very, very proud of his achievements.
“Whatever his future brings I, for one, wish him the greatest success and thank him for his great contributions since he came to the club. Gan on bonny lad, and ta very much.”
Have your say! Will Newcastle United miss Sean Longstaff next season? Do you think they could have got more money for him? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.