Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are reportedly hoping to sign Sean Longstaff from Premier League strugglers Newcastle United
In the last 10 years or so, Paul Dummett is perhaps the only academy graduate who has established himself in the Newcastle United first-team that remains at St James’ Park.
Though amid concerns about the lack of young talent emerging through the academy, Sean Longstaff has at least given supporters something to look forward to.
Longstaff, a local-born talent who has shone at U23 level, is considered to be one of the most exciting young players to have emerged on Tyneside in a number of years. But could the 20-year-old actually leave Newcastle without ever making a Premier League appearance for Rafa Benitez’s side?
It seems a possibility. According to The Chronicle, Longstaff’s contract is due to expire next summer and Newcastle have so far failed to tie him down to a new contract. And this has caught the eye of Celtic, who are claimed to have scouted the attacking midfielder on Friday.
Given that Longstaff is under 23, Newcastle would be due a compensation should he join another club. But, thanks to a loophole in legislation, teams north of the border can sign the former Blackpool loanee for just £300,000.
So should Celtic win the race, they could be repeating that outstanding Moussa Dembele deal from 2016.
Like Longstaff, Dembele was out of contract at Fulham and Celtic snapped him up, paying just £500,000 in compensation. Two years later, the Scottish Premiership champions sold the striker to Lyon for £19.7 million (BBC).
Time will tell whether Longstaff boasts the same potential but a prospective £300,000 fee suggests Newcastle’s loss could certainly be Celtic’s gain.
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