Neil Redfearn Gives Sean Longstaff Verdict

Former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn believes midfielder Sean Longstaff will prove to be a strong addition at Elland Road, having played a role in the player’s early development at Newcastle United.

Redfearn worked with Longstaff during his time as Newcastle’s under-21 coach and briefly as caretaker first-team manager in 2019. He has followed the midfielder’s career closely and feels the move to Leeds this summer came at the right time.

Longstaff’s Newcastle Struggles Opened the Door

Redfearn noted that Longstaff broke into Newcastle’s first team during a period of financial restraint at St James’ Park. However, following the club’s takeover by Saudi owners, the midfielder faced growing competition from high-profile signings such as Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.

This reduced role eventually paved the way for a switch to Leeds, where Daniel Farke has rebuilt his midfield. Still, Longstaff will have to fight for a place, with Anton Stach arriving shortly after him to compete for the box-to-box “No. 8” role.

Longstaff began the season on the bench against Everton, but a knee injury to Ao Tanaka in the following match at Sheffield Wednesday gave the Tynesider an opportunity to step in. With Tanaka now fit again, Farke faces a selection dilemma ahead of Leeds’ clash with Wolves on Saturday.

First time Longstaff has looked like a Premier league quality player in a Leeds shirt.

Was excellent last night, making more tackles (4) and winning more duels (8) than any other player on the pitch. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/GjfmsTy2oo

— All Day LUFC (@AllDayLUFC) August 31, 2025

Redfearn’s Praise for Longstaff

Speaking to Yorkshire Evening Post about his time working with the midfielder, Redfearn recalled the early promise Longstaff showed coming through the Newcastle system.

"When I was at Newcastle there was Sean Longstaff, and his brother (Matty) as well," said Redfearn, who had two spells as Leeds caretaker manager and one in the role full-time in the first half of the last decade.

"Sean was one of the kids that came through. Some grasp it and swim, and some come a little bit later.

"Sean was one of the players that got in and amongst that team.

"He's a good signing for Leeds."