We say farewell to one of our own, Sean Longstaff. After 19 remarkable years with his boyhood club, evolving from the academy pitches to gracing the hallowed turf of St. James' Park, Sean has now completed his permanent move to Leeds United.
For any local lad, pulling on the black and white stripes is the ultimate dream, and Sean lived that dream to the fullest. Joining the Academy at nine, he progressed through the ranks, proving his mettle with productive loan spells at Kilmarnock and Blackpool before making his senior debut in August 2018.
Sean's journey with the Magpies has been filled with memorable moments. While his first Premier League goal came against Burnley in February 2019, it's his cup heroics that will forever be etched in our minds. His crucial brace against Southampton in the 2023 Carabao Cup semi-final propelled us to Wembley, and he was on target again in that unforgettable 4-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain. He also played a vital role in ending our 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, coolly converting his penalty in the Carabao Cup shootout against Forest.
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming moments for any Newcastle fan was witnessing Sean share the field with his younger brother, Matty. Their joint appearance on the pitch, particularly their memorable contributions together, highlighted the unique and special bond they shared while representing their hometown club. This was most famously encapsulated on October 6, 2019, when Matty Longstaff scored the winning goal on his Premier League debut against Manchester United at St. James' Park. With Sean playing alongside him in midfield, Matty's superb strike from outside the box in a 1-0 victory sent the stadium into delirium and etched the Longstaff name into Newcastle folklore. To have both brothers on the pitch for such an iconic, homegrown moment added another layer of local pride to Sean's already impressive story.
Beyond the goals and the crucial contributions on the pitch, Sean was a tireless worker, known for his incredible athletic ability and relentless pressing, a style that perfectly suited Eddie Howe's vision for the team. He was often the unsung hero, doing the "dirty work" that allowed others to shine, covering vast distances and maintaining defensive solidity. His understanding of Howe's tactics and willingness to put in the selfless graft made him an invaluable asset.
It's worth remembering that Sean's talent didn't go unnoticed by other top clubs. Back in 2019, a then 21-year-old Longstaff was heavily linked with a big-money move to Manchester United. While that move ultimately didn't materialize, with Newcastle holding firm on their valuation, it was a clear indication of the high regard in which he was held. Interestingly, there were even whispers of renewed interest from Old Trafford as recently as the past year, as his contract situation entered its final stages. However, Sean's deep connection to the club and his desire for regular first-team football clearly guided his decision towards Elland Road.
While game time became harder to come by in the latter half of last season, his dedication and commitment never wavered. Sean's impact extended beyond the pitch too, as he regularly supported the local community through his work as a Newcastle United Foundation ambassador, embodying the spirit of a true Geordie.
Sean departs having made 214 appearances and scored 16 goals for Newcastle United. As he embarks on this new chapter with Leeds United. He lived the dream, gave his all, and will always be one of our own.