Newcastle to regret offloading ‘leader’, he’s outperforming Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United are still attempting to find their feet in the Premier League after a distracting summer transfer window.
Alexander Isak pushed through a move to Liverpool ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, refusing to play for Eddie Howe‘s side due to contract disputes, and that was a major talking point over the summer period.
New signing Yoane Wissa remains on the sidelines, but even with Nick Woltemade, Malick Thiaw, and Anthony Elanga, the Magpies are struggling to put a run of positive performances together.
Howe’s side are sitting 15th in the Premier League table, only beating Wolves so far this season, and draws are the only thing keeping them out of the relegation zone at this moment in time.
Sean Longstaff is thriving away from Newcastle United
One player who appears to have escaped the mess and is enjoying his campaign is Sean Longstaff.
Longstaff joined Leeds United on a £12million deal this summer, finally bringing an end to his time at Elland Road, and, speaking after the Bournemouth draw, Daniel Farke admitted he already sees the player as a “leader” in the squad.
It was an incredible game for the 27-year-old midfielder, who scored and assisted against the Cherries, a result which took the Whites to 12th in the Premier League table after six games.
Shown by the graphic from Football Insider‘s partnership with Opta, the former Newcastle man was massively important in the centre of the park, but also from the corner flags, given he was on set-pieces.
His ability to track back on the right flank also highlights his ability to help Jayden Bogle, which may have been beneficial at St James’ Park after Tino Livramento sustained a new injury.
In fact, Newcastle might already be regretting their decision to sell him, with the Magpies currently struggling to gain a foothold this season, and two of their biggest names clearly struggling.
Longstaff rises above Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in 2025-26
Last season, Longstaff started just eight Premier League matches under Howe, with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali the chosen trio at St James’ Park.
However, a lack of options this term appears to be backfiring for the Magpies, and given how good a start the former star has had at Elland Road, the decision to sell him may have been the wrong decision.
As well as creating the most chances over Guimaraes and Joelinton, he also has the most goal contributions, the highest success when winning duels, and the best passing accuracy.
| Premier League player’s stats | Sean Longstaff (Leeds United) | Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United) | Joelinton (Newcastle United) |
| Minutes played | 386 | 450 | 313 |
| Goals / Assists | 1 / 1 | 1 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
| Passing accuracy | 87.2% | 82.9% | 77.3% |
| Chances created | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Fouls won | 7 | 14 | 3 |
| Duels won | 57.4% | 40.5% | 44.4% |
| Aerial duels won | 71.4% | 30.8% | 50% |
There was a mixed reaction when Longstaff was sold during the summer, especially given that he came through the academy and supports the club, but he was in desperate need of more game time.
While there has never been a call for the current trio to be moved on, the decision to sell Longstaff might now be seen as a rash one as he continues to highlight his strengths under Farke’s leadership this season.