Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Thu 23 April 2026 7:00, UK

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Sean Longstaff came on in the final stages to make Leeds United supporters’ trip to the Vitality Stadium worth every penny.

Just moments after Evanilson thought he had netted Bournemouth’s third goal of the night on Wednesday, 22 April, the midfielder stepped up with a thumping finish into the bottom corner.

The former Newcastle United man sent the travelling fans crazy in the corner, with Leeds extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches, which has included getting to an FA Cup semi-final.

Thanks to the buzzer-beating goal from Longstaff, Leeds secured a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on the south coast, despite Rayan scoring what he thought was a winner for the Cherries in the 85th minute.

Sean Longstaff sends a huge message to Daniel Farke

It was not the first time that the 27-year-old caused chaos for Andoni Iraola’s side. In fact, he probably produced one of the best performances of his career in the reverse fixture back in September.

Longstaff scored and assisted in another four-goal thriller, this time at Elland Road, but despite his heroics near the beginning of the campaign, he has continued to slip down the pecking order under Farke.

Not even Ao Tanaka has been able to get into the side until recently, but with Ilia Gruev and Anton Stach both now sidelined, he was finally given his opportunity to shine.

It wasn’t much at all, but with seven minutes added on at the Vitality, Longstaff stepped up with a hugely important goal, one that likely secures Leeds’ safety in the Premier League this season.

Could the midfielder have just saved his Leeds United career?

Despite only being in his first season at Elland Road, the lack of minutes has seen him heavily linked with a move away ahead of the summer window, but that could be about to change.

Tanaka is already expected to leave Leeds, given his lack of minutes and high volume of admirers, which is already a boost for Longstaff’s chances of playing more next season.

Gruev doesn’t appear good enough for the Premier League, and while the Whites are being linked with several targets ahead of the window already, Farke’s No.8 has given him a lot to think about.

Willy Gnonto is also being linked elsewhere, but given his impact against the Cherries, this game might have been huge for both of their futures back at Elland Road.