Sean Longstaff’s Move to Leeds United
Sean Longstaff, moving to Leeds United this summer, continues to reflect on the contributions of former teammate Raphinha, even though the Brazilian has left Elland Road for Barcelona and Ballon d’Or recognition. Longstaff’s only appearance at Elland Road occurred in January 2022, when he came off the bench for an injured Joelinton. That night, Newcastle secured a surprising victory thanks to Jonjo Shelvey’s decisive free-kick.
Memorable Experiences at Elland Road
In recounting his experience, Longstaff recalled,
“Every time Raphinha touched the ball, the entire stadium buzzed with anticipation. As an away player, that energy is palpable and unnerving.”
Now, as he prepares to play at Leeds for the first time as a home player against Everton on August 18, he eagerly anticipates that electric atmosphere.
Reflecting on His Journey
Reflecting on his journey, Longstaff, now 27, spoke from Leeds’ pre-season training camp in Germany. After a whirlwind of events following the Newcastle takeover in 2021, he found himself contemplating a move to Leeds, rekindling feelings reminiscent of those initial weeks of excitement at Newcastle’s rejuvenation. Following the close of last season and after attending a teammate’s wedding in France, he visited his brother in Toronto, where discussions with Leeds executives began.
He was intrigued by similarities between both clubs, noting their passionate fan bases and the ambitious rebuilding process underway at Leeds. He remarked,
“I felt a wave of nostalgia, similar to the optimism when Newcastle was taken over. The excitement of being part of a club at the start of a new chapter is intoxicating.”
Family Connections and Sporting Legacy
Longstaff also highlighted an interesting connection to Leeds through his ice hockey-enthusiast father, David, who has an extensive history with the UK’s ice hockey scene. This summer marked a fascinating intersection of his new football world and his family’s sporting legacy, especially after receiving a warm welcome from Larry Nance, a basketball player involved in Leeds’ ownership, and reminiscing about past encounters. Longstaff humorously recalled being nervous when he first crossed paths with Nance while playing for Newcastle.
Childhood Roots and Emotional Farewells
Outside of football, Longstaff still cherishes his childhood cricket roots, having played for Tynemouth Cricket Club since he was 11. Jokingly, he mentioned that some of his cricket friends might not see him as just “Sean Longstaff, the footballer” but rather as “the kid who was a bit of a nuisance” growing up. The emotional weight of leaving Newcastle, where he made 214 appearances, was evident when he departed their training camp in Austria; heartfelt farewells from teammates brought tears to his eyes, revealing the depth of connection he maintained with the club.
Mental Health Awareness and Future Aspirations
Longstaff’s commitment to mental health awareness remains pivotal in his journey, especially following a breakdown he experienced in 2020. He continues to prioritize his mental well-being, speaking regularly with a psychologist, which he credits for helping navigate the pressures of professional sports. He emphasized the importance of finding escapes outside of football, whether through activities like cricket or quality time with friends.
The influence of past managers like Eddie Howe and Rafa Benitez shapes Longstaff’s expectations for his new role under coach Daniel Farke at Leeds. His conversing with Farke about potential improvements to his game played a significant role in his decision to join the club. As he embarks on this new chapter, Longstaff hopes that his growth at Leeds mirrors the transformative experiences he had at Newcastle.
