Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United would make an excellent signing if they brought Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff to Elland Road.
According to the Sunday Mirror (page 66, 17 March), Leeds manager Daniel Farke is interested in signing the 26-year-old if the Whites are promoted to the Premier League next season.
Despite being a fixture in Newcastle’s squad at the moment, the Championship leaders are reportedly eyeing a £15 million deal for Longstaff.
In response to reports about a prospective new arrival in West Yorkshire, former Leeds player Palmer believes the move would be wise.
Palmer told Football League World: “He just has a year left on his contract, so this would be an excellent addition. The 26-year-old has 135 Premier League appearances and would be a terrific fit for Leeds United.
“It has been reported that Newcastle would want a fee of around £15m and that would fall into Leeds’ budget.”
Palmer also praised Farke for his proactive approach to scouting possible recruits to bolster the squad ahead of a Premier League campaign.
“This is what you have to do, and Daniel Farke is doing everything a manager should be doing right now. I believe Leeds have a good chance of winning promotion, so you should be looking at players.” Palmer continued.
“You don’t want to be conducting business late; you want to get the players in, because it’s already difficult for Championship clubs to stay in the Premier League after promotion.
“This would be a fantastic signing for Leeds, a really good signing for the football club. It’s one thing to get into the Premier League; it’s another to stay there.”
Should Leeds United bring Sean Longstaff to Elland Road this summer?
Longstaff has been a crucial member of Newcastle’s squad since Eddie Howe took over from Steve Bruce in 2021.
Playing in 33 Premier League games last season, the indigenous talent was a key part in the Magpies’ return to the Champions League after two decades away, securing a place in the top four.
The midfielder’s goalscoring heroics also brought Newcastle agonisingly close to breaking their trophy drought, having scored twice in their triumphant EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton little over a year ago.
To be able to add a player of such quality to a newly promoted team would be a significant coup for Leeds, and with his contract at St. James’ Park expiring, the Whites may be able to get their man at a bargain price.
Farke is already surrounded by midfield talent at Elland Road, with Ilia Gruev having a successful first season and Glen Kamara bringing the form that saw him succeed at Rangers.
However, as Leeds have lately discovered, life at the top is difficult, and a deep squad is essential if they are to sustain Premier League status among several well-established, good teams.
There is still a long way to go in the Championship promotion race, and while Leeds are favourites to go up alongside Leicester City, they must maintain their recent outstanding form, which has closed the gap on the Foxes and moved them ahead of Ipswich Town and Southampton.
