Sean Longstaff accepts his future may be best served away from Newcastle United, amid interest from Everton and his former manager Rafa Benitez, according to The Athletic.
The Magpies product faces a daunting season at St James’ Park this term after entering the final year of his contract. His progress has slowed to a near halt since sustaining a serious knee injury in March 2019, and now struggles for minutes on Tyneside under Steve Bruce.
Longstaff featured for just the final six minutes of Newcastle’s opening day defeat to West Ham, with Miguel Almiron, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and even Ryan Fraser favoured for central midfield roles at points. Joe Willock has also now joined permanently from Arsenal.
Longstaff has a number of potential Premier League suitors, like Everton, with Newcastle somewhat resigned to his exit. This summer would be the Toon’s final window to secure a notable fee for the 23-year-old, with the Daily Mail reporting they will demand £10m.
Benitez has remained in contact with Longstaff since the now-Everton manager departed Newcastle in 2019. The Spaniard has regularly offered the midfielder advice and would be confident of extracting the best from the Englishman after seeing him perform at his best.
That has never been the case under Bruce, frustrating some who believe Newcastle lack a specific progression plan for Longstaff. Bruce also spent much of the summer trying to rebuild his midfield than utilise Longstaff, increasing the chances he leaves.
Some of Longstaff’s suitors would prefer to sign the midfielder in January when he would hold an even lower value. While others would move if he becomes available for free at the end of his contract next June.
Should Everton sign Longstaff from Newcastle this summer?
Benitez was able to get the best out of a young Longstaff when the now-Everton boss debuted him at Newcastle. The Spaniard clearly still admirers what potential there is in the Toon product, and sees ways he can extract it.
Longstaff is also in the best position he has been since his injury in 2019 to show his best version. The Athletic add he performed a split-squat turn in training for the first time in two years during this summer. He also suffered with ankle and hamstring issues during that run.
It was his ability to change direction quickly and release the ball that saw Longstaff’s stock rise rapidly under Benitez. But for the past two seasons, he has been much more laboured in possession. If his fitness is finally back, Everton could benefit significantly from signing Longstaff from Newcastle before a rival suitor does.
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