Leeds Snap Up Sean Longstaff from Newcastle in £12m Deal

Leeds United have landed the signing of  midfielder Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United in a deal worth £12 million (plus add-ons).

Photo by Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United FC via Getty Images

The 27-year-old leaves St James' Park after nearly two decades with the Magpies, having joined the club's academy aged just nine. He's now signed a four-year contract at Elland Road, with the move marking a fresh start after a frustrating season of limited minutes under Eddie Howe.

Speaking to LUTV, Longstaff made it clear the decision wasn't taken lightly.

"It was going to take a lot for me to leave Newcastle to be honest," he said. 

"But from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I could tell they really wanted me — and that gives you confidence. I wasn't just going to go anywhere. This felt right."

Leeds reportedly had an initial £10m bid turned down earlier this week before finally getting the deal over the line. 

Longstaff becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer, joining defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and forward Lukas Nmecha, as the Whites prepare for life back in the Premier League.

Despite making 214 appearances for Newcastle, Longstaff found game time hard to come by last season — just 787 minutes of Premier League action — as Guimarães, Joelinton and Tonali dominated the midfield pecking order. He also made five appearances in the League Cup, though he didn't feature in the final win over Liverpool.

Longstaff's arrival adds further depth and experience to Daniel Farke's midfield as the German coach looks to hit the ground running on Leeds' Premier League return. The Whites open their top-flight campaign at home to Everton on 18 August.

 Before that, they'll continue pre-season with a string of eye-catching friendlies — including Saturday's showdown with Manchester United in Stockholm, followed by games against Villarreal and AC Milan.