‘Sean Longstaff replacement already lined up following Newcastle exit’
Newcastle United have endured a tough transfer window, having missed out on key targets such as Manchester United new boy Bryan Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, Sean Longstaff left Newcastle to join Leeds United after making over 200 appearances for the North East club.
Whites boss Daniel Farke will hope that the 27-year-old can help the West Yorkshire outfit in their quest to achieve Premier League survival.
Amid their efforts to have a successful Champions League run, Eddie Howe’s men have a plan to replace Longstaff following the midfielder’s departure.
Longstaff’s replacement could already be at Newcastle
Homegrown talent Longstaff helped the North East side win the Carabao Cup last term, while his replacement can also be a Newcastle academy graduate.
Reporting via Chronicle Live‘s Q&A on Wednesday, 23 July, Lee Ryder said: “As things stand, it feels like the midfield area is something that is certainly on the agenda, but not a priority with the new season now just three weeks away or so.
“Newcastle are still strong in terms of quality and numbers in that department, with Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali very much the established trio, with Joe Willock and Lewis Miley pushing.
“Willock didn’t have a good game against Celtic, and Lewis Miley did OK. A player to watch in pre-season is Travis Hernes.
“He got 15 minutes at Parkhead, and I’ve been impressed with him in the youth ranks. Are they confident on Sean Longstaff being replaced?
“I’m sure they have a few players in mind, but as I say, it is not the priority with a goalkeeper and striker needed before any other position.”
Howe should trust Hernes as Longstaff’s replacement
Football Insider verdict
As outlined by Ryder, Howe boasts strength in depth in midfield, thanks to the presence of Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Tonali.
| Sean Longstaff stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 0 |
That trio, coupled with fringe players Miley and Willock, was responsible for the fact that Longstaff left Newcastle to join Leeds in search of more game time.
But, with an upcoming Champions League campaign, the Magpies need another midfielder to play a similar squad role to the one performed by Longstaff last term.
However, the Leeds man made just eight Premier League starts for Howe’s men last season, so buying a replacement is not particularly necessary.
Contrastingly, promoting Hernes from the academy side to the senior squad would have long-term benefits for Newcastle, as they look to continue troubling the top flight’s established Champions League outfits.
The Norway youth international has previously enjoyed game time at senior level during loan spells with Danish side AaB and League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town.