Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Sean Longstaff
View on Wikipedia
Sean David Longstaff (born 30 October 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Leeds United.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Newcastle United
[edit]Longstaff began his career with the youth team of Newcastle United at 9 years old. He moved on loan to Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock in January 2017, along with Callum Roberts and Freddie Woodman.[3] In July 2017, he signed on loan for EFL League One club Blackpool for the 2017–18 season[4] where he made 45 appearances and scored nine goals.[5]
His first goal for the Newcastle United first team was on 17 July 2018, when he opened the scoring in a 2–0 win over St Patrick's Athletic in a pre-season friendly at Richmond Park.[6] Longstaff impressed manager Rafa Benítez in pre-season and was rewarded with a four-year contract in November 2018.[7] Longstaff made his competitive first team debut against Nottingham Forest in the second round of the EFL Cup in August 2018, before making his Premier League debut as a second-half substitute against Liverpool at Anfield the following December.[3] This was followed up by his first goal in an FA Cup third round replay against Blackburn Rovers before he put in a memorable performance by winning the penalty that gave Newcastle a 2–1 win over champions Manchester City in January 2019.[8][9]
On 26 February 2019, Longstaff scored his first Premier League goal for Newcastle in a 2–0 win over Burnley.[10]
In March 2019, Longstaff was ruled out for the rest of the 2018–19 season following a knee ligament injury.[11]
On 31 January 2023, he scored a brace in a 2–1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg to qualify his club to their first final since 1999.[12]
On 4 October 2023, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal, in a 4–1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at St James' Park.[13]
On 16 March 2025, Longstaff appeared on the bench in the 2025 EFL Cup final as Newcastle won their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.[14] Longstaff scored the winning penalty in the penalty shootout away to Nottingham Forest in the second round of the competition to help the club on their way to success.[15]
Leeds United
[edit]On 18 July 2025, Longstaff signed a reported 4-year deal worth a reported £12m plus potential add-ons with Leeds United, ending his long stint at Newcastle United.[16][17]
Personal life
[edit]Sean is a keen cricket player who has turned out for Tynemouth Cricket Club even during his time as a premier league footballer. Raised in North Shields, Longstaff's younger brother Matty is a footballer who plays for CF Montréal.[18] Their father David is a former Great Britain ice hockey player, who featured over 100 times for the national side, and was a coach for the Whitley Warriors until the end of the 2022–23 Season. David Longstaff is also the cousin of former England international Alan Thompson.[19] They are not related to former Newcastle academy player Luis Longstaff.[20]
Longstaff's father stated that both Sean and Matty are lifelong fans of Newcastle United. His brother Harry supports Kettering Town.[21]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 15 February 2026
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Newcastle United | 2018–19[22] | Premier League | 9 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 13 | 2 | |
| 2019–20[23] | Premier League | 23 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 29 | 2 | ||
| 2020–21[24] | Premier League | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 27 | 0 | ||
| 2021–22[25] | Premier League | 24 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 26 | 1 | ||
| 2022–23[26] | Premier League | 33 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | — | 41 | 3 | ||
| 2023–24[27] | Premier League | 35 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5[c] | 1 | 46 | 8 | |
| 2024–25[28] | Premier League | 25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — | 32 | 0 | ||
| Total | 171 | 10 | 18 | 3 | 20 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 214 | 16 | ||
| Kilmarnock (loan) | 2016–17[29] | Scottish Premiership | 16 | 3 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 3 | ||
| Blackpool (loan) | 2017–18[30] | League One | 42 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[d] | 1 | 45 | 9 |
| Leeds United | 2025–26[31] | Premier League | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 19 | 1 | |
| Career total | 245 | 22 | 21 | 2 | 22 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 297 | 28 | ||
- ^ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup
- ^ Includes EFL Cup
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Appearance in EFL Trophy
Honours
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed". Premier League. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ a b "Sean Longstaff". Newcastle United F.C. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
- ^ a b "From Academy Prospect to Premier League Regular: The Story of Sean Longstaff". Football Park. 27 August 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ "Sean Longstaff: Blackpool sign teenage Newcastle United midfielder on loan". BBC Sport. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
- ^ "What next for Sean Longstaff?". The Athletic. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
- ^ Donnelly, Dave. "Friendly Report: St Patrick's Athletic 0 - 2 Newcastle United". extratime.com.
- ^ "Longstaff signs new four-year deal". Newcastle United Football Club.
- ^ "Newcastle see off Blackburn with Joselu and Ayoze Pérez extra-time flourish". Guardian. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ "Newcastle's Matt Ritchie on the spot to dent Manchester City's title hopes". Guardian. 29 January 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ "Sean Longstaff on target as Newcastle end Burnley's good run". The Guardian. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ "Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff 'likely' to miss rest of season with injury". BBC Sport. 7 March 2019.
- ^ "Newcastle cruise into Carabao Cup final after Sean Longstaff sinks Southampton". The Guardian. 1 February 2023.
- ^ "'I'm so proud to be from Newcastle' - Longstaff on historic night". BBC Sport. 4 October 2023.
- ^ "BBC Football". Retrieved 21 March 2025.
- ^ "BBC Football". 28 August 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
- ^ "Sean Longstaff signs for Leeds United". Leeds United. 18 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ Rajan, Adwaidh (18 July 2025). "Longstaff joins Leeds from Newcastle in £12m move". BBC Sport. BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ "Toronto FC trade Midfielder Matty Longstaff to CF Montréal in exchange for Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in GAM". Toronto FC. 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Newcastle's Sean Longstaff: the new Carrick with added ice in his veins". Guardian. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
- ^ Meet the Academy: Luis Longstaff, Steve Hunter, Liverpool FC, 8 May 2020
- ^ LIVE: Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff... - BBC Newcastle - Radio for the North East, retrieved 27 June 2019
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Sean Longstaff in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
- ^ "Liverpool 1–2 Newcastle United: Line-ups". BBC Sport. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (26 February 2023). "Manchester United 2–0 Newcastle United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
Sean Longstaff
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life
Sean Longstaff was born on 30 October 1997 in North Shields, England.[5][7] He grew up in the North Shields area, where his family resided during his childhood.[5][8] Longstaff was raised in a highly sporting family environment that emphasized physical activity and competition from an early age. His father, David Longstaff, was a former professional ice hockey player who represented Great Britain, earning over 100 caps and becoming the first British player to join the elite Century Club for scoring 100 points in a season.[2][9][8] This background provided Longstaff with early exposure to high-level sports, including frequent visits to ice rinks alongside his father.[9] His mother, Michelle Longstaff, was a keen netball player, further instilling a culture of athleticism and teamwork within the household.[10][11][12] The family's passion for sports extended to other activities, shaping Longstaff's initial interests before he transitioned to organized football through local clubs.[12]Youth career
Longstaff began playing organized football with the local boys' club North Shields Juniors at the age of five, after his family returned to the North East of England.[11] In 2006, at the age of nine, he joined Newcastle United's academy, marking the start of his progression through the club's youth system.[13][14] He advanced steadily through the age groups, featuring for the under-18 and under-21 teams, where he developed as a central midfielder known for his composure and passing ability.[5] In the 2016–17 season, Longstaff signed his first professional contract with Newcastle United, securing his future at the club after impressing in academy matches.[15][16] During his under-21 tenure, he made 46 appearances and scored 9 goals, demonstrating his goal-scoring threat from midfield in Premier League 2 fixtures.[17]Club career
Kilmarnock (loan)
In January 2017, Sean Longstaff joined Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock on a loan from Newcastle United that lasted until the end of the 2016–17 season.[18] He made his first appearance for the club on 21 January 2017, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 Scottish Cup fourth-round defeat to Hamilton Academical at Rugby Park.[19] Longstaff's league debut followed a week later on 28 January, where he scored the dramatic 90th-minute winning goal in a 3–2 home victory over Ross County, securing three vital points with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box.[20][21] Operating primarily as a central midfielder, Longstaff featured in 17 matches across all competitions during his loan spell, scoring three goals in total.[22] His other notable contributions included an early opener in a 1–1 draw away to Hamilton Academical on 4 February, drilling a low right-footed shot from 22 yards in the seventh minute, and a deflected effort in the 17th minute of a 2–1 home win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 13 May, which helped confirm Kilmarnock's top-flight survival.[23][24] These performances showcased his growing composure in senior football, as he adapted to the physical demands of the Scottish top flight by competing against established sides like Celtic and Aberdeen.[25] Longstaff's loan played a key role in Kilmarnock's mid-table campaign, contributing to their eighth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership with 41 points from 38 league games.[26] The experience marked a significant step in his development, providing his first sustained exposure to professional environments away from Newcastle's youth setup; he later described it as a "great learning curve" that improved him both on and off the pitch, including adjusting to independent living and learning from veterans like Kris Boyd and Gary Dicker.[25] This period enhanced his physical resilience and tactical awareness, preparing him for further challenges in English football.[25]Blackpool (loan)
In July 2017, Sean Longstaff joined EFL League One club Blackpool on a season-long loan from Newcastle United, initially set to run until 6 January 2018.[27] The 19-year-old midfielder, who had previously gained experience on loan at Scottish club Kilmarnock, adapted quickly to the demands of English lower-league football, starting regularly in central midfield.[28] Longstaff became a key figure in Blackpool's engine room, contributing to the team's midfield dynamics through his work rate, passing range, and goal threat from distance. By early January 2018, he had made 23 league appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing several assists, including notable strikes such as a long-range effort in a 2-1 win over Gillingham in August 2017.[29] His performances earned praise from manager Gary Bowyer for enhancing the squad's balance and pressing intensity.[30] On 4 January 2018, ahead of the scheduled loan expiry, Newcastle agreed to extend Longstaff's stay with Blackpool for the remainder of the 2017–18 season.[29] In total, he featured in 42 league matches, starting 37, while netting 8 goals and recording 4 assists across all competitions.[1] This extended run of senior minutes honed his tactical versatility, allowing him to operate effectively in both defensive and attacking midfield roles, and built his confidence in high-volume fixtures.[22]Newcastle United
After returning from his loan at Blackpool in May 2018, Longstaff broke into the Newcastle United first team during the 2018–19 season. He made his competitive debut for the club on 29 August 2018, starting in a 3–1 EFL Cup second-round defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. His Premier League debut followed on 26 December 2018, coming off the bench in a 4–0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, where he played 18 minutes.[31] Longstaff scored his first competitive goal for Newcastle on 15 January 2019, netting in extra time during a 4–2 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Blackburn Rovers. His first Premier League goal arrived on 26 February 2019, opening the scoring in a 2–0 home win against Burnley. Under manager Rafael Benítez, Longstaff quickly established himself as a reliable central midfielder, featuring in 9 Premier League matches during the 2018–19 season despite the team's struggles.[32] Following Benítez's departure, Longstaff signed a four-year professional contract in December 2018, tying him to the club until 2022. He became a regular starter under Steve Bruce in the 2019–20 season, making 23 Premier League appearances (14 starts) and contributing two goals as Newcastle finished 13th amid the COVID-19 disruptions.[32] In August 2020, he extended his deal by two years to 2023, reflecting his growing importance.[33] The 2021–22 season saw another extension, with Longstaff signing a three-year contract in July 2022 that ran until June 2026, securing his long-term future at his boyhood club.[33] Under Eddie Howe, who took over in November 2021, Longstaff adapted to a more dynamic role in midfield, providing energy, tackling, and occasional goals; he served as vice-captain at times, embodying the leadership expected of an academy graduate.[13] The 2022–23 season, following the Saudi-backed takeover in October 2021, highlighted his consistency, with 35 Premier League starts and one goal helping Newcastle achieve a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification for the first time since 2012.[32] Notable contributions included a brace in the January 2023 EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton, aiding the club's run to the final.[34] Over his seven-year tenure at Newcastle United from 2018 to 2025, Longstaff amassed 214 appearances and scored 16 goals across all competitions.[35] However, the arrivals of Bruno Guimarães in 2022 and Sandro Tonali in 2023 intensified competition for midfield places, gradually reducing his starting opportunities in the 2024–25 season. With his contract set to expire in 2026 after a one-year extension clause was triggered in October 2024, transfer negotiations culminated in his £12 million move to Leeds United on 18 July 2025, ending his time as a local hero at St James' Park.[4]Leeds United
On 18 July 2025, Leeds United completed the signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United for an initial fee of £12 million, with the deal potentially rising to £15 million through performance-related add-ons.[4] The 27-year-old central midfielder penned a four-year contract, committing to the club until the summer of 2029 and becoming the Whites' fifth summer addition.[36] Longstaff made his Leeds debut in the 2025–26 Premier League season opener on 18 August 2025, starting in a 2–1 home win over Fulham at Elland Road.[37] Following promotion from the Championship in April 2025, his arrival bolstered manager Daniel Farke's midfield rebuild, aimed at providing stability and creativity in a squad transitioning back to top-flight football after two years in the second tier.[38] As of November 2025, Longstaff had featured in 11 league matches, accumulating 789 minutes and establishing himself as a key rotational option alongside players like Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu.[39] In his opening months, Longstaff contributed one goal—a composed finish in a 2–2 draw against Bournemouth on 28 September 2025—and two assists, including one for a Joe Rodon header in a victory over West Ham United.[40] His passing range and set-piece delivery stood out, creating five big chances to rank among the Premier League's top providers early in the campaign.[40] Adaptation to Leeds' high-intensity pressing style presented initial hurdles, particularly in adjusting to the team's fluid rotations, but Longstaff noted the "strange" yet motivating experience of facing his former club in a 0–0 draw on 30 August 2025.[41] He has continued in a rotational role through November, providing solidity in midfield without additional goals but with consistent passing accuracy in recent fixtures.[42] Farke has praised Longstaff's seamless integration, describing him as an "intelligent young man" and a "top character" whose work ethic and leadership enhance team dynamics.[43] The German coach highlighted Longstaff's man-of-the-match performance in the Bournemouth stalemate, calling the club "blessed" to have secured a player whose tenacity fits the club's ambitious stabilization efforts in the Premier League.[44]Personal life
Family
Sean Longstaff's younger brother, Matty Longstaff, is also a professional footballer who came through the Newcastle United academy alongside him before making his senior debut for the club in 2019.[45] Matty later moved to Toronto FC in 2024 and was traded to CF Montréal in August 2025, where he continues to play as a midfielder.[46] Their father, David Longstaff, is a former Great Britain ice hockey international who earned over 100 caps and served as a coach for the Whitley Warriors.[47] David's background in the sport influenced the family's early life, with Sean spending significant time at ice rinks and even considering a career in ice hockey before committing to football.[45] On the extended side, Longstaff's uncle, Alan Thompson, is a former professional footballer who played for clubs including Newcastle United and Celtic, earning one senior England cap in 2004 as well as youth international honors.[48] Thompson has provided guidance to Longstaff throughout his career, including advice during his early loan moves.[49] The Longstaff family has offered consistent emotional support during key career moments, such as Sean's struggles with form and injury in 2020, when he broke down in tears in front of his father, leading to vital psychological intervention.[50] This backing extended to his 2025 transfer from Newcastle United to Leeds United, where he discussed the opportunity with his brother Matty while visiting him in Toronto, helping solidify his decision to join the club on a four-year deal.[51]Other activities
Longstaff maintains a keen interest in cricket, having played for Tynemouth Cricket Club since the age of 11. In May 2024, during Newcastle United's off-season, he opted out of the club's controversial pre-season tour to Australia to focus on recovery and alternative training, instead featuring for Tynemouth's first XI where he took a wicket against Ross Mustard, the son of former England international wicketkeeper Phil Mustard.[52][53] This sporting legacy from his family has inspired Longstaff's diverse interests, including ice hockey, which he follows avidly and has attended events for with teammates.[51] In terms of community involvement, Longstaff served as a player ambassador for the Newcastle United Foundation from 2019, participating in school visits and programs to support young people in the local area, such as a 2025 event where he and teammate Lewis Miley engaged with students on personal development.[54][55] Following his July 2025 transfer to Leeds United, he has expressed enthusiasm for contributing similarly in his new community. On 11 November 2025, Longstaff and teammate James Justin visited Leeds United's Combat Café to mark Remembrance Day and learn about support for veterans.[56] Longstaff has discussed maintaining life balance in media interviews post-transfer, highlighting cricket as a therapeutic escape from football's intensity and crediting regular psychology sessions—even brief 20-second calls—for mental well-being during transitions like his move to Leeds.[51][57]Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | Other | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Kilmarnock (loan) | 2016–17 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 3 |
| Blackpool (loan) | 2017–18 | 42 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 46 | 9 |
| Newcastle United | 2018–19 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| 2019–20 | 23 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 25 | 1 | |
| 2020–21 | 22 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 0 | |
| 2021–22 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 26 | 1 | |
| 2022–23 | 33 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 40 | 1 | |
| 2023–24 | 35 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 43 | 7 | |
| 2024–25 | 25 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 31 | 1 | |
| Club total | 171 | 10 | 31 | 2 | 202 | 12 | |
| Leeds United | 2025–26 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| Career total | 240 | 22 | 38 | 3 | 278 | 25 |
