Leeds United Sign Sean Longstaff from Newcastle in £15m Deal

Leeds United have announced the signing of midfielder Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United. Longstaff has signed a four-year deal, with Leeds paying £12 million up front and adding £3 million in extras, as confirmed by reports. Longstaff is the Whites’ latest acquisition ahead of the new Premier League season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Leeds United have completed the transfer of Longstaff to the Whites, ending his 18-year run at Newcastle. The defensive midfielder was a priority target for Leeds, who confirmed the transfer ahead of the Whites’ preseason friendly against Manchester United. With this signing, Longstaff has become Leeds’ fifth summer transfer after Sebastiaan Bornauw, Santiago Arias, Lukas Nmecha, and Tyreik Wright.

LONGSTAFF’S CAREER FORMERLY AND AMBITIONS FOR LEEDS UNITED

As Leeds seeks to strengthen its Premier League status following promotion, Longstaff offers ample Premier League experience, having made over 200 appearances for Newcastle. His leadership and poise in the middle are seen as critical assets. Last season, Leeds gained promotion as one of the top-2 teams in the Championship, along with Burnley. With Longstaff now on board, the team is looking to build on its strong finish last season and avoid a relegation struggle next season.

WHAT LEEDS AND LONGSTAFF WILL DO NEXT

Longstaff will be eligible for Leeds’ next match, a high-profile preseason friendly against Manchester United. Leeds won their previous preseason friendly against FC Groningen 5-2, and the new season promises to be tough. With their expenditure this summer surpassing £45 million, Leeds club leaders may want to transfer away some surplus players before making additional signings. In order to close the points difference on the previous campaign’s top-eight finishers, Leeds will also want to stay consistent.