Newcastle United are ready to part ways with their 26-year-old academy graduate Sean Longstaff due to FFP concerns.
According to a report by The Sun, Newcastle United are willing to sanction the sale of Sean Longstaff as they are forced to work within Financial Fair Play guidelines. The Magpies want to reinforce their squad in the ongoing window. But in order to sign a player, they will have to part ways with their academy graduate first.
Sean Longstaff: A Geordie Boy Who Made It
Sean Longstaff has been a part of Newcastle United since 2003. He came up the ranks at the club and made it to their first team in the winter of 2019 and has gone from strength to strength since. The 26-year-old is a very important part of Eddie Howe’s team.
The Geordie boy has featured in a total of 25 matches in the ongoing season and has wrecked up almost 1,800 minutes. He has even contributed towards five goals. While he is an integral part of their first-team setup, the Magpies are ready to part ways with him because, under FFP, a club is incentivised to sell academy graduates. Selling a homegrown player can be listed as pure profit on the club’s books.
Staring at Departure from Newcastle United?
With Newcastle United ready to sanction his sale, there are multiple clubs in the Premier League that are keeping a close eye on the situation. And, according to the report, a loan-to-buy agreement could work out for the Magpies.
Offloading the 26-year-old will help Howe refresh his squad and sign another midfielder. Newcastle United were quite successful last season. But they have failed to reach similar levels this season, mainly due to a crippling injury crisis. They are struggling and are in desperate need of reinforcement.
Longstaff’s departure will help them keep their financial statements in check, and it will allow them to make a move in the ongoing window without any FFP concerns. With Sandro Tonali banned because of illegal betting, they need reinforcement in the centre of the park. Sacrificing their homegrown player does seem to be a difficult decision. But it will surely improve their chances of a better finish this season.
