As Miguel Almiron’s departure to Atlanta United is confirmed, the future of a fellow member of the Newcastle United old guard is now the latest topic of debate.

Sean Longstaff made his Premier League debut for the Magpies in a 4-0 defeat at Anfield on Boxing Day 2018 and has gone on to become a regular member of our first team following loans to Kilmarnock and Blackpool after graduating from our academy.

The now 27-year-old was a constant of the 2023/24 campaigns, featuring in 35 league games (30 starts) and missed only the draw away at PSG in the Champions League after scoring in the home tie.

The reintegration of a certain midfield maestro, and a now fully fit midfield ensemble, have seen Longstaff’s minutes dwindle this season and raised questions about his future at his hometown club.

Longstaff leapfrogged in pecking order

According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Longstaff has turned down Premier League interest in the final days of January, preferring to fight for his place instead.

He reveals that the midfielder has told Toon chiefs that he wants to stay at his boyhood club for at least the remainder of the season, with a potential cup final, FA Cup campaign and push towards a top-four finish still all to play for.

Hope reports that it is still ‘likely’ that he departs this summer, with his contract expiring in 18 months time, but it seems any potential late approach from Everton will be rejected by the player.

Interestingly, The Chronicle report that Eddie Howe now considers Lewis Miley ahead of Longstaff in his midfield pecking order, so game time may not be easy to come by for the 27-year-old.

Sandro Tonali has become a mainstay of Eddie Howe’s preferred midfield three alongside Brazilian pair Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. Joe Willock and Miley now appear to be the manager’s first port of call when rotation is required, with Longstaff now playing just five minutes of Premier League football since December 21.

Right time to go?

A frustrated looking Longstaff won’t be happy with his lack of minutes and, though his contributions have been publicly valued by Howe, sentimentality can’t come above the needs of the club and Miley’s development.

The 18-year-old is more than capable of fitting into Longstaff’s role on the periphery of the squad and has a long-term future on Newcastle, his contract currently tying him to the club until 2029 – Longstaff meanwhile has just 18 months on his deal. A move may be at the right time for both parties, not that Longstaff is in any rush, it seems. 

Everton could be a smart move, offering us a chance to make ‘pure profit’, but it sounds like his potential departure could be pushed back until the summer.