Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff has been urged to have a long, hard think about that potential move to Udinese with Sam Allardyce telling talkSPORT (3 May, 9am) that he could be left ‘very, very miserable’ if things go wrong in Italy.
The city of Newcastle might live and breathe the beautiful game but, despite the unbridled passion that embodies this football-mad region, there remains a worrying lack of talented youngsters rising through the ranks at St James’ Park.
Matty Longstaff, the younger brother of Sean, is a rare example of a homegrown prospect forcing his way into the Magpies’ first-team and establishing himself as a Premier League player.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been a shining light in a difficult season under Steve Bruce, scoring a famous winner against none other than Manchester United in the autumn.
But with Longstaff still yet to agree a long-term contract with Newcastle, there is a very real chance that he has played his final game in those famous black and white stripes. The Chronicle claims that he is set to join Serie A outfit Udinese.
A £30,000-a-week contract would see Longstaff secure a huge pay-rise in Italy. But, as former Newcastle boss Allardyce is at pains to point out, money isn’t everything.
“(Longstaff’s exit) will rile the fanbase, it will upset the fans because they’ve welcomed him into the team and its very early in his career,” Allardyce warns.
“It is a dangerous move for me – it’s not a move for your career, it’s a move for money. That has to be brought forward by his agent. Looking to get a player on the cheap means the compensation for Newcastle will be very limited.
“It’s all about the money. The player should think long and hard. You can’t blame the lad, we’d all like to secure our financial future. But if you make the wrong choice, you’re very, very miserable.”
Sky points out that Newcastle would be due just £40,000 in compensation if or when Longstaff secures the controversial switch – a bitter blow considering that the skilful midfielder is surely worth at least £10 million in today’s market.
The report adds that Longstaff is currently earning £850-a-week and will reject a new, £15,000-a-week contract at Newcastle. Udinese will offer him double that.
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