Sean Longstaff to have Leeds United fight on hands amid Yacine Titraoui news

Sean Longstaff has had a tough time at Leeds United, with an injury halting his early momentum after his summer move.

The Englishman started life well at Elland Road, being selected in the starting lineup 10 times out of 12 in the opening matches of the 2025-2026 Premier League season.

However, a calf injury struck, and his spell has never been the same since. As Leeds look to move past becoming a relegation-battling side, upgrades across the pitch will be eyed.

With Longstaff dropping down Daniel Farke’s pecking order, he may be one of the first to be upgraded.

Leeds’ links with Yacine Titraoui would certainly spell bad news for Longstaff, who will have doubts over his future.

How much of an upgrade is Yacine Titraoui on Sean Longstaff?

With links to Titraoui re-emerging after Leeds held previous interest, many fans may be wondering as to whether the Algerian is truly an upgrade.

First off, the Sporting Charleroi ace does come in as six years younger than the Leeds midfielder, which is already a bonus.

Furthermore, he also offers more threat from the middle of the pitch, where he scored five goals from 2.90xG.

The Algerian, while having one less assist than Longstaff (2), did create a higher amount of xA with 3.78 compared to 1.91.

Defensively, he is more equipped. He makes more interceptions per game (1.2 compared to 0.5) , is dribbled past less per game (0.8 compared to 1.0) and arrives with a stronger win rate in duels as well.

Titraoui wins 56.4 per cent of his ground duels compared to Longstaff’s 52.8 per cent. Overall, he comes out on top in most of the key midfield areas.

Should Sean Longstaff actually have to worry about Leeds future?

Longstaff would not have played as much as he hoped this season, with just 10 Premier League starts, but much of that was down to him picking up an injury that ruled him out for eight games.

However, even upon his return, he had seemingly lost his place in the pecking order under Farke.

The German looked to be a big fan of Longstaff earlier in the season, with his performance against Bournemouth at Elland Road a particular standout.

Farke stated: “An outstanding performance, a man-of-the-match performance. He scored a goal and there was an assist.

“His workload against the ball, his composure on the ball, his tactical understanding, also body language and leadership on the pitch and off the pitch – we are pretty blessed to have him."

“This is what leaders are doing, and if they’re then also a great talker, and then can inspire them also with some words, yes this is top, and this is what Sean is also is capable of.”

However, with links to Titraoui, who occupies similar areas of the pitch, Longstaff could face a battle to return to the glowing reviews he once received from his club manager.

Time will tell what will happen for the 28-year-old, but right now, he will be worried over his future.