There have been few youth products to emerge on Tyneside of late, so when the Longstaff brothers burst on to the scene at St James’ Park, the pair of Sean and Matthew instantly became fan favourites. The younger of the duo, Matthew, broke through with a stunning strike against Manchester United on his debut, to send home fans into raptures and instantly mark the 19-year-old’s emergence. However, just months later there is a genuine risk the prodigy could be heading for the exit door at Newcastle United.
Steve Bruce recently admitted that: “I’m sure there are people in his ear, so of course, the situation is a concern.” Making sure that the Magpies retain a future talent, who is a fan favourite and could potentially turn the club a more substantial profit in the future simply has to be the board’s top priority. Should he leave the club will still receive a fee via a transfer tribunal as Longstaff is under the age of 24; however, the fee agreed will likely be a fraction of his actual value. Jadon Sancho was able to join Borussia Dortmund in similar circumstances for £7.05m, and they will be set to make a substantial profit if he moves on.
Furthermore, based on his performances Longstaff represents excellent value for money, he’s found the back of the net twice in the Premier League this season, both of which have come against the Red Devils. The teenager is also one of the Magpies’ most prolific passers of the ball, averaging 34.3 per match with an 80 per cent accuracy, as per WhoScored. He can also boast a higher pass accuracy than Jonjo Shelvey, as the England international is five per cent less precise in the top-flight. Yet at 28 years of age, Bruce’s top scorer was awarded a new three-year deal recently.
Newcastle United cannot only invest in their established names. For too long now youth in the northeast has been neglected, leaving the Magpies with a squad where their only other first-team regular youth product who has not left the club for greener pastures is Paul Dummett. That cannot continue, and the first step to making amends is securing Longstaff’s services for next term.
