The Telegraph claimed on July 11th, 2019 that Newcastle had offered Manchester United £50 million for Sean Longstaff.
He was also being touted as a possible England player in the future.
DON'T MISS:
After two years, the midfielder is still not close to joining one of the Premier League's top clubs. He's not even a sure thing to start for the Magpies.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions will play in the Euro 2020 final tonight, with just Graeme Jones representing Newcastle.
As we start to prepare for the 2021/22 Premier League season, it's unknown what role Longstaff will play when the season begins on August 15th.
But, for the oldest Longstaff brother, where has it all gone wrong?
Sean Longstaff's meteoric ascent that nearly led him to Manchester United
Longstaff's ascension was swift and dramatic.
DON'T MISS:
He spent the 2017/18 season on loan with Blackpool in League One, scoring eight goals.
He was set for another loan spell the following season, but Rafa Benitez prevented him from joining Portsmouth.
In November 2018, Longstaff signed a new four-year contract with Newcastle, and he made his Toon debut against Liverpool a month later.
For the youngster, this was the start of a frenetic few months.
Due to injuries, he made his first appearance on January 12th, 2019, partnering Isaac Hayden in a 2-1 loss to Chelsea.
Longstaff's career would be launched with an eight-game winning streak.
He'd make a fantastic teammate for Hayden. In the midst of Benitez's 5-4-1 system, the two toiled relentlessly, generating limitless energy.
Longstaff was instrumental in a memorable victory over Manchester City, winning a late penalty that allowed Matt Ritchie to score the game-winning goal.
On February 26th, he scored his first Premier League goal, the second in a 2-0 win over Burnley
Unfortunately, his following match, against West Ham, would be his final of the season. After a challenge from Robert Snodgrass, Longstaff injured his knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Despite his injuries, Longstaff appeared to be on his way to becoming a Newcastle star. He was destined to be a major contributor for many years to come.
Then Manchester United knocked on the door.
The Red Devils were reportedly interested in the English midfielder in May 2019, according to Sky Sports, as they looked to add domestic talent to their roster.
The rumor did not sit well with some Manchester United supporters.
The Chronicle, on the other hand, maintained that Longstaff was not for sale.
Then there was the £50 million price tag. That was Newcastle United's asking price for a player who had only made nine Premier League outings.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester United did not meet the asking price.
What does Sean Longstaff's future hold at Newcastle after two years?
Longstaff has been valued at £50 million for two years. It would have been the most expensive exit in Newcastle's history.
But he's still at St James' Park, despite a career that's stagnated since that incredible leap from nothing.
Longstaff has suffered under Steve Bruce's leadership. He started his debut game as manager against Arsenal in 2019, in a midfield three with Jonjo Shelvey and Hayden.
Longstaff has shown flashes of brilliance throughout Bruce's stay, hinting at a return to his best. Unfortunately, they were merely flashes.
Since that knee injury, the 23-year-old has battled.
And it's still unclear what his best role is or where he fits into Newcastle's lineup.
It was all about his work rate and slick passing when he first made his debut. He didn't do anything flashy, but he did move the ball quickly and well.
He is not, however, as good as Hayden as a defensive midfielder. He isn't as skilled with the ball as Shelvey.
We've seen him play in a more advanced spot, but he'll never climb above of Miguel Almiron or Allan Saint-Maximin in the starting XI.
There's a lot of potential there. We witnessed that throughout Benitez's incredible run.
Longstaff, on the other hand, has never quite regained his former form.
After the Brighton catastrophe, he had a nice run in the side late in the season, and his enthusiasm helped the club escape the relegation zone.
However, he was finally dropped from the starting XI.
Will Sean Longstaff's days as a first-team regular ever come back?
Two years later, it's hard to believe he was a £50 million target for Manchester United.
No comments:
Post a Comment