The transfer saga surrounding Sean Longstaff’s potential move from Newcastle United to Leeds United has certainly taken its twists and turns this summer. A few weeks ago, it appeared as though Longstaff’s move to Elland Road was almost inevitable. Leeds, under manager Daniel Farke, seemed to be on the verge of securing the 27-year-old midfielder, especially as Longstaff had fallen out of favor at his boyhood club, Newcastle United. After making only eight Premier League starts last season under Eddie Howe, it seemed clear that the midfielder’s days at St James’ Park were numbered.
At first glance, Leeds United seemed like a perfect fit for Longstaff. The club had been reportedly tracking the midfielder for some time, and Farke was known to be a long-time admirer of the player. Leeds had a pressing need to bolster their midfield, especially after their relegation from the Premier League and subsequent promotion back to the top flight, where they would need a more experienced and competitive squad to ensure survival. Longstaff, with his Premier League experience, defensive solidity, and passing ability, seemed to be the kind of player who could offer Leeds exactly what they needed in midfield.
As the transfer window opened, reports emerged of Leeds preparing to make a bid for Longstaff. Given his diminishing role at Newcastle, many speculated that he would be available at a reasonable price. Newcastle was clearly open to letting him go, but the club’s stance on the financial terms surrounding his departure remained firm. Early reports suggested that Leeds were willing to offer around £12 million for the midfielder, a figure that seemed somewhat reasonable considering Longstaff’s limited game time at Newcastle. However, Newcastle’s management, led by Eddie Howe, appeared to have a different valuation of the player in mind. Many reports suggested that the Magpies were demanding closer to £15 million for Longstaff, which caused some friction in negotiations.
To make matters more complicated, Leeds’ first three bids for Longstaff were all swiftly rejected by Newcastle, raising doubts about whether a deal could be reached. For a club like Leeds, operating with a set transfer budget, these rejections might be frustrating, but also somewhat expected in the transfer market. Clubs typically inflate their asking prices early in negotiations, and Newcastle’s unwillingness to let Longstaff go on the cheap is likely part of that strategy. However, Leeds United, under the guidance of their new manager Daniel Farke, now seem to be rethinking their pursuit of the midfielder.
Reports from Leeds Live have suggested that Leeds United is beginning to turn their attention to other targets, as they no longer feel a deal for Longstaff is likely. The club, having seen their offers rejected, is now “looking at other options,” with many insiders suggesting that Leeds have “made their mind up” on the situation. They are reportedly not confident that they can strike a deal with Newcastle anytime soon, and as a result, the Longstaff move now seems increasingly unlikely.
This shift in focus from Leeds could be attributed to multiple factors. First, the club’s desire to avoid further frustration in their negotiations with Newcastle is understandable. With a large chunk of their £150 million transfer budget allocated to other areas of the squad, Leeds may have decided that it’s time to focus their resources on other midfield targets who may be more attainable. Furthermore, there are other promising midfield options who could provide similar value without the financial hurdles that Longstaff presents.
Several names have emerged as potential alternatives to Longstaff, which only serves to further diminish the likelihood of a deal. One such player is Neil El Aynaoui, a defensive midfielder from RC Lens who plays a similar role to Longstaff. El Aynaoui, who has impressed in France’s Ligue 1, would offer Leeds a solid defensive presence in the middle of the park. His ability to break up opposition attacks and drive forward with the ball makes him a strong candidate for Farke’s system, and the fact that he could be available for a more reasonable fee could make him an attractive option. Given that El Aynaoui could be attainable for a lower price than Longstaff, Leeds might be able to secure a deal for him without facing the same kind of negotiations that have stalled their pursuit of Longstaff.
In addition to El Aynaoui, names like Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge, Mateus Fernandes of Southampton, and Finn Azaz of Middlesbrough have also been mentioned as potential midfield reinforcements for Leeds. Onyedika is a highly rated young player, known for his dynamism in midfield, and his signing could be a long-term investment. Fernandes, meanwhile, offers a combination of technical ability and defensive acumen, which could give Leeds added depth. Azaz, though not as high-profile, has had a solid season at Middlesbrough and could add another dimension to the team with his creativity in midfield.
The fact that Leeds are now casting a wider net for midfielders indicates that their interest in Longstaff is not as strong as it once was. The club is likely weighing the pros and cons of each potential target, considering factors like price, fit, and availability, and they seem to be prioritizing other options in the face of repeated rejections from Newcastle. It’s a disappointing turn of events for those who were excited about Longstaff’s potential move to Leeds, but it is also a reflection of the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, where plans can change rapidly.
Despite this shift in focus, Leeds United still have the resources and the will to make a move for Longstaff if Farke is truly committed to bringing him in. As Graeme Bailey, a transfer expert, pointed out in a recent interview, Leeds and Newcastle aren’t “a million miles apart” in terms of the transfer fee, meaning that negotiations could still progress if Leeds are willing to meet Newcastle’s demands. In fact, Bailey suggested that while Leeds are looking elsewhere, they may not have entirely ruled out Longstaff just yet, and the deal could still happen if both clubs are willing to find common ground.
From a tactical standpoint, Longstaff would offer Leeds a solid defensive presence in the midfield. His ability to win tackles, break up play, and distribute the ball effectively would be a significant addition to Leeds’ squad, especially under Farke, who is known for his disciplined, high-pressing style of play. While Longstaff may not be the most creative midfielder, he provides a steadiness and reliability that could complement more attacking-minded players. In the heart of midfield, Longstaff would likely provide the balance that Leeds need to thrive in the Premier League.
However, the reality of the transfer market is that Leeds must act quickly. As the transfer window progresses, other clubs may swoop in with offers for Longstaff, and if Leeds don’t increase their bid or secure an agreement soon, they risk losing out on him. The situation is fluid, and things can change in an instant. If Leeds want Longstaff, they may need to put more money on the table, or risk watching the deal slip away entirely.
Ultimately, whether Leeds will pursue Longstaff again is yet to be seen. If Farke remains determined to add the midfielder to his ranks, he could still push for a deal, potentially bringing the fee closer to Newcastle’s demands. The summer transfer window is always unpredictable, and Leeds, with their sizeable budget and clear need for reinforcements, will have the opportunity to shift their focus back to Longstaff—or turn their attention elsewhere—depending on how negotiations unfold. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that this transfer saga still has some twists to come before it reaches its conclusion.