Sean Longstaff’s decision to leave Newcastle United for Leeds must have been an emotional one.
Longstaff joined Leeds in a deal that could reach £15million, bringing an end to a Newcastle United career that yielded 214 appearances and, crucially, one trophy.
The Newcastle United academy graduate was an important figure under Eddie Howe before losing his place to Sandro Tonali last season.
There were understandable reasons to leave considering his lack of action, while the money Newcastle have banked for him goes down as ‘pure profit’ on the club’s balance sheet given his status as an academy graduate.
Still, it cannot have been an easy decision. The midfielder is a boyhood fan of the club, while Howe has confirmed Newcastle didn’t want to lose Longstaff.
Now, the player has revealed some of the reaction from inside the dressing room.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesNick Pope and Jamaal Lascelles reduced to tears
Longstaff has been speaking to The Athletic in a wide-ranging interview about joining Leeds.
He also revealed that two members of the Newcastle United squad left the dressing room in tears when addressing the midfielder’s departure.
Indeed, Jamaal Lascelles and Nick Pope were fighting back the tears with leaving messages for Longstaff as he geared up for his move.
Dan Burn was another who was “wiping his eyes” at his teammate’s exit.
Whether Newcastle United plan to replace Sean Longstaff
Such is the ruthless nature of football, Longstaff will need replacing at some point.
Whether that’s this summer or next, Howe will need to have his midfield options bolstered after losing a player from an already fairly light squad.
Still, Newcastle have other things on which to focus over the next few weeks. They need at least one signing at centre-back and up front, while Alexander Isak’s potential departure complicates matters further.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle may not directly replace Longstaff this summer.
Lewis Miley is expected to step up, while Joe Willock will hope to move on from the injury issues that have derailed his progress in recent seasons.