OPINION
The future of the Longstaff brothers at Newcastle United appears to be in a grey area at this moment.
Despite weeks of talks in the North East, neither Sean or Matty have put pen-to-paper on new contracts even though they have both featured regularly in the Premier League.
It will be the contract of Matty Longstaff that will send fear into the Magpies’ faithful, with the 19-year-old free to leave the club at the end of the season should no agreement be found.
The older Longstaff is more secure after signing a four-year deal last season at St James’ Park, but that hasn’t stopped his representatives from wanting another contract at the club.
Chronicle journalist, Mark Douglas, has recently claimed that the Magpies have recognised the midfielder’s contribution to the club in their ongoing contract talks.
“Sean is in talks with the club based on the agreement of both parties that his contribution – and the interest from Manchester United in the summer – has bumped up his status and value to the club,” he wrote in a Q&A [20/11 14:39 pm].
“His representatives believe he is due another wage bump and the player wants to stay but Newcastle will no doubt see it as a balancing act: he only signed a new deal 12 months ago and we’re in the first year of a four-year deal.”
Newcastle should certainly think twice about offering Longstaff a new deal so soon after his last, especially given his form at the beginning of this season.
The 22-year-old was the standout man last season but has quickly fallen down the pecking order under Steve Bruce – with his poor form being highlighted in the red card he picked up against Wolves.
Longstaff averaged more tackles per game last season according to WhoScored and has committed more fouls as well, suggesting he is struggling more in the heart of midfield.
Given that Douglas revealed that the club are in talks based on his performance just doesn’t add up, and Newcastle should certainly think twice until he starts to improve and recapture some of last season’s form.
