(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim)

Leeds United close to Longstaff agreement after Newcastle updates overnight

Niall is a lifelong Leeds United supporter who began reporting on MOT Leeds News in July 2025 after initially joining Breaking Media a month earlier. He graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a first class degree in Sports Journalism in 2024 and has covered Leeds for multiple other websites. After attending Elland Road for the first time as a youngster with United in League One, Niall hopes to see Leeds reclaim their spot in the Champions League and get back to competing for the Premier League.

Published on:

08 Jul 2025, 5:00 am

Leeds United are addressing their weaknesses quickly in the transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is set to pass his medical ahead of the left-back's arrival in West Yorkshire to replace the departed Junior Firpo.

A goalkeeper and a striker would now be at the top of most supporters' shopping lists ahead of the new season, with Callum Wilson being linked with a move to the Whites.

Despite this, it is midfield where Leeds look most likely to strengthen next, with Sean Longstaff closing in on a move from Newcastle United.

Gudmundsson is expected to be United's starting left-back next season (Credit: Imago)

Longstaff close to joining Leeds

Longstaff has been rumoured to be switching St James' Park for Elland Road as Leeds look to add vital Premier League experience to their squad.

Daniel Farke will be aware that for as positively as signings such as Jaka Bijol have been received, none of the German manager's current additions have extensive experience of playing in the Premier League.

Longstaff adds this to Farke's squad, and according to Sky Sports and Keith Downie on X (8 July), Leeds are closing in on a deal for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Sean Longstaff	Stats (Premier League 2024/25 season)
Appearences	25
Starts	8
Total minutes	837

Longstaff struggled for gametime at Newcastle last season.

With the Englishman having just one year left on his deal at Newcastle, Leeds would be able to secure the player on the cheap.

The Whites have made a bid of £10million with an additional £2m in add-ons, which is expected to be accepted after extended talks.

🚨 Leeds United are close to agreeing a deal with Newcastle for Sean Longstaff.
💰 The newly-promoted club have made a £10m + £2m bid for the 27-year-old midfielder.
⚪️This deal – if & when accepted – would represent pure profit for #NUFC. Talks with Leeds have taken place for… pic.twitter.com/PiFwNiWzNn
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 8, 2025

Midfield options needed for Farke

Whilst most Leeds supporters would feel like a midfield pairing of Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu would not be the priority for the 49ers to improve upon in the summer, depth will be necessary.

Whether Longstaff would be able to dislodge either man from the starting XI remains to be seen, with a more defensive three also possible.

Longstaff would provide a sizeable upgrade on Ilia Gruev in terms of Premier League experience, with the Bulgarian likely now a depth option.

Whilst signing a goalkeeper like Lucas Perri is more of a pressing issue, Leeds must ensure they have adequate squad depth to help in their bid to avoid relegation.

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Daniel Farke

Sean Longstaff