šµ Leeds United: Sean Longstaff Signs, Pre-Season Progress & The Road to the Premier League Opener
As Leeds United continue their preparations for the new season, optimism is growing among fans and staff alike. After months of transfer planning, intensive training, and a focused pre-season schedule, Daniel Farke is starting to shape a team capable of challenging on all fronts. At the heart of that vision is newly signed midfielder Sean Longstaff, whose long-anticipated move from Newcastle United was confirmed earlier this month.
From building fitness in Germany to facing European heavyweights like Villarreal and AC Milan in August, Leeds are gradually piecing together a side that looks stronger, deeper, and more cohesive than last season. Here’s everything you need to know about Longstaffās move, how he’s fitting in, and whatās ahead for the Whites.
š Sean Longstaff: The Long-Term Target Finally Lands
Leeds Unitedās pursuit of Sean Longstaff wasnāt a sudden decision. The club had identified him as a key target over a year ago, but a combination of timing, negotiations, and Newcastleās priorities delayed the transfer. Now, in a deal worth Ā£15 million, Longstaff finally arrives at Elland Road with a point to prove.
At 27, Longstaff is in his prime. A product of the Newcastle academy, he amassed over 130 appearances for the Magpies and was part of the side that qualified for the Champions League in 2023. His box-to-box style, leadership qualities, and experience in high-pressure Premier League matches make him a valuable asset for Daniel Farke.
His arrival marks Leedsā fifth signing of the summer, part of a wider recruitment strategy to reinforce the spine of the team. Unlike younger prospects or rotational signings, Longstaff is expected to be a guaranteed starterāsomeone to shape the tempo of Leedsā play and link midfield with attack.
š¤ Partnership with Anton Stach: Midfield Engine Room Forming
Not long after Longstaff joined, Leeds announced the signing of Anton Stach from Hoffenheim in a Ā£17 million deal. The German international is a powerful, intelligent midfielder with Bundesliga and European experience. With both Longstaff and Stach now in the building, Leeds fans can look forward to a new midfield core.
While itās still early, this duo could bring balance and flexibility to Farkeās system. Longstaff is more of a transitional and metronomic playerāsomeone who recycles possession and supports both ends of the pitch. Stach, meanwhile, excels at breaking up play, shielding the defence, and offering vertical passing options.
If their partnership clicks, Leeds could finally solve the midfield inconsistency that plagued them in the previous campaign. Add in the likes of Ilia Gruev, Archie Gray, and Glen Kamara, and the club now boasts one of the deepest and most versatile midfield groups in recent years.
ā½ Pre-Season Progress: Building Match Fitness and Chemistry
š Manchester United (Stockholm)
Leedsā pre-season kicked off with a high-profile clash against Manchester United in Sweden, a match that ended in a draw but offered some early positives. While several first-team stars were rested or used sparingly, the game showed promising signs in terms of structure, pressing, and organisation. Longstaff did not feature heavily, as he had just arrived, but his integration was already underway in training.
š SC Verl (Germany)
On Tuesday, Leeds played their second friendly of the summerāthis time against German third-tier side SC Verl, winning 4-1 in what was a valuable test of fitness. The game was split between two XIs, but Longstaff and Ilia Gruev were the only players to play the bulk of the 90 minutes, with Longstaff getting through 81 minutes of high-tempo football.
š£ļø Daniel Farke post-match:
āFor Sean Longstaff, a tough day today to play 90 minutes after a tough day yesterday. But itās important to get this minutes into the tankā¦ and get more and more used to our process and our game.ā
Farkeās comments reinforce the idea that pre-season isnāt about perfectionāitās about preparation. Longstaff, despite clear signs of rustiness, completed his longest shift yet in a Leeds shirt, and the coaching staff were satisfied with his effort and adaptation to their system.
š Upcoming Pre-Season Fixtures: Big Tests Ahead
Leeds have deliberately crafted a pre-season schedule that ramps up in difficulty and intensity as the new season approaches. Hereās what remains on their calendar:
š Saturday, July 27 ā Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly in Germany
This fixture, still shrouded in secrecy, will be played without public or media access. It’s likely designed for tactical experimentation and conditioning. Farke will use it to test new combinations, perhaps giving Longstaff another 60ā70 minutes to improve his sharpness.
šļø Friday, August 2 ā Leeds United vs Villarreal (Elland Road)
Leeds return home to Elland Road for their first public pre-season game in front of their supporters. Facing Villarreal, a top-tier Spanish side known for technical flair and intelligent movement, this will be a big step up in difficulty. For Longstaff, itāll be an important test of tempo and positional understanding.
š®šŖ Saturday, August 10 ā Leeds United vs AC Milan (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
Arguably the most high-profile pre-season match Leeds have played in years. AC Milan, one of Europeās most historic clubs, will provide an elite-level examination. The match will take place in Dublin, offering Leeds an international showcase and a full-stadium environment. It will likely serve as the final dress rehearsal before the Premier League season begins.
š Premier League Opener: Leeds United vs Everton
š Elland Road
š Monday, August 18
š 8:00 PM Kick-off
Leeds begin their 2024/25 campaign at home under the lights against Everton, a team with its own ambitions to climb the table. The timing of the fixture (Monday night) ensures a full national spotlight and gives Farke a few extra days of preparation after the Milan game.
By then, Leeds fans can expect:
Sean Longstaff to be fully fit and commanding the midfield.
A clearer tactical identity, with Farkeās pressing principles more embedded.
A home crowd eager to see new signings deliver from day one.
š§ Tactical Fit: How Longstaff Strengthens Leeds
In Daniel Farkeās 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, the midfield is the most crucial area of the pitch. Pressing, ball progression, transitional recoveryāit all hinges on smart, durable midfielders who can read the game and move with intensity.
Longstaff fits that mold perfectly:
Heās excellent at defensive positioning, often cutting out dangerous passes.
He presses intelligently without diving in unnecessarily.
He keeps possession ticking over with short- and medium-range passing.
He has the engine to go box-to-box, covering large distances every game.
Expect to see him deployed as a right-sided No.8 or a holding midfielder, depending on whether Farke wants more control or aggression. Alongside someone like Stach, he will have the freedom to step forward and shoot or play line-breaking passes.
š£ļø Final Thoughts: Momentum Building at Elland Road
The signing of Sean Longstaff signals more than just squad reinforcementāit reflects Leeds Unitedās ambition to return to prominence. Combined with smart recruitment, clear tactical planning, and an experienced manager, Leeds are heading into the 2024/25 season in a far more prepared state than in previous years.
Pre-season is not just about resultsāitās about cohesion, rhythm, and identity. In Longstaff, Leeds have added a player who embodies reliability, maturity, and fight. If he continues to grow into his role, thereās every reason to believe he could be one of the key difference-makers for Leeds this season.