Exclusive: Sean Longstaff Gives His Answer on Leaving Newcastle to

In an exclusive interview, Newcastle United’s midfielder Sean Longstaff has addressed the speculation surrounding his future at St James’ Park amid interest from Premier League rivals Everton. The 26-year-old, who has been a regular feature in the Magpies’ midfield for several seasons, responded to rumors suggesting that he might make a move to Goodison Park, providing a clear stance on his current situation.

“I’ve always said that I’m focused on my role at Newcastle, and nothing has changed in that regard,” Longstaff began, when asked about the speculation linking him to Everton. “It’s flattering when you hear teams like that are interested, but my head is firmly here, with Newcastle. I’ve got a great relationship with the manager, the staff, and my teammates, and this is where I want to be.”

Longstaff has become an integral part of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side, playing a key role in the club’s resurgence since the takeover by the Saudi-backed consortium. His disciplined performances in midfield, combined with a strong work ethic, have earned him praise from both fans and pundits alike. With Newcastle pushing for European football, Longstaff’s importance to the squad seems set to grow, and he’s relishing the opportunity to be part of a team aiming for bigger achievements.

“Everton are a massive club with a rich history, and I’ve got a lot of respect for them,” Longstaff continued. “But I’m not the type of person who will chase headlines. I want to be here and help Newcastle continue to grow. We’ve got something special building here, and I want to be part of that for as long as I can.”

Everton’s interest in Longstaff has been well-documented, with manager Sean Dyche reportedly seeking to bolster his midfield options during the January transfer window. The Toffees have struggled with consistency this season and were hoping to bring in a player of Longstaff’s caliber to stabilize their midfield. However, despite the overtures from Everton, Longstaff appears committed to the task at hand with Newcastle.

In fact, the midfielder’s comments reflect a growing sense of belief and ambition within the Newcastle camp. With the club now firmly positioned as a top-half Premier League side, and with European qualification a very real prospect, Longstaff is excited about the direction in which the team is heading.

“We’ve got a group here who are hungry for success. The fans are incredible, and the atmosphere at St James’ is something special,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be playing for this club, and I want to keep giving everything I’ve got for them.”

Newcastle’s progress this season has been marked by their stability and strong performances, and Longstaff’s role in that has been a key part of the puzzle. With his ability to break up opposition attacks, link play, and contribute defensively, he is seen as one of the club’s unsung heroes. Despite the attention he’s received from other clubs, Longstaff’s commitment to the project at Newcastle is clear.

As for Everton, while their pursuit of Longstaff might not have materialized in this transfer window, Longstaff’s focus remains on helping Newcastle continue to build on their success. “There’s always going to be rumors in football, but I’ve learned to ignore them and focus on what’s important. Right now, that’s Newcastle and the rest of the season.”

Longstaff’s commitment to the Magpies is a sign of the growing ambition within the club, and fans will no doubt be reassured by his focus and determination to continue contributing to the team’s rise in English football.