Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sun 3 May 2026 18:10, UK

Sean Longstaff continues to be overlooked by Daniel Farke at Leeds United.

The 28-year-old once again started on the bench for the Whites against Burnley at Elland Road on 1 May, coming on in the 72nd minute for Ao Tanaka.

With Ilia Gruev injured and Anton Stach only recently returning from the sidelines, the former Newcastle United midfielder would have certainly hoped for his first Premier League start since November.

The 28-year-old midfielder was a pivotal player for the West Yorkshire outfit before picking up a calf knock last year, but has struggled for game time despite being available for selection since the turn of the year.

Longstaff’s future at Elland Road will surely be under the scanner in the summer if he decides to pursue better opportunities elsewhere and his situation will be one to keep an eye on.

Daniel Farke makes preference clear with Sean Longstaff at Leeds United

Longstaff seems to be fifth in the pecking order for Farke in Leeds’ midfield plans.

Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gruev and Tanaka seem to be preferred over the ex-Newcastle ace, which certainly won’t fill him with much confidence.

In the current campaign, the Englishman has started 10 Premier League games, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating six big chances, as per Sofascore.

Longstaff has been an impact substitute for the Whites in recent matches, completing 85 per cent of his passes and winning 52 per cent of his total duels.

The midfielder has averaged 1.2 key passes, 1.8 tackles and 1.9 ball recoveries per game, clearly making an impression despite limited minutes.

It feels like the England national can catch a break even when other options have been injured and if his prospects don’t improve ahead of the 2026-27 season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him demand an exit.

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Farke has been reluctant to give Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto many minutes this season.

While the Wales international has struggled with fitness issues, the Italian youngster has had to settle for a place on the bench since the switch to a new system.

Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson have cemented their place in the starting lineup this season and it will undoubtedly be difficult for anyone to displace them.

Fans in G51 will also keep a close eye on what the future holds for James and Gnonto, with the Peacocks expected to strengthen their squad further in the summer.