If Leeds finish in the top two and return to the top tier immediately, they will need to sign players in a variety of positions. With eight games remaining, Leeds is joint first, but Leicester has a game in hand.
Ipswich are only a point behind, but Leeds appear to be on track to return to the Premier League after winning 12 of their 13 Championship games since the turn of the year. Daniel Farke is performing admirably as manager.
If the club is promoted, it will look for players with Premier League experience in the summer. One of those being linked at the moment is Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff, which is somewhat surprising.
Longstaff, 26, has been a regular for Newcastle this season, but he isn’t first choice. Sandro Tonali has been banned, and with Joe Willock and Joelinton injured, Longstaff has stepped in.
So far this season, he has been a consistent member of Eddie Howe’s Premier League and Champions League squads. However, he has a contract until June 2025, and Leeds are hoping to take advantage of it.
Harvey Barnes previously commented that this player is “so underrated”. According to the Sunday Mirror (17/3; page 66), Leeds are considering a surprise approach for Longstaff, but the midfielder might cost them £15 million.
With Tonali and Joelinton returning, Lewis Miley emerging, and his contract entering its final year, Longstaff is likely to consider leaving his boyhood club. Leeds? Someone to keep an eye on.
Longstaff is an experienced Premier League footballer. Capable of scoring from midfield, but one of those traditional, hardworking, tough-tackling no.6s who makes an impact in both areas. A really competent player.
If Leeds have the opportunity to do a deal, they should. Former Leeds player Palmer agrees, telling FLW this week: “He’s just got a year remaining on his deal, so this would be a very, very nice signing.
“This would be a fantastic signing for Leeds, a really good signing for the football club. “It’s one thing to get into the Premier League, but it’s another to stay there,” Palmer said of Longstaff.
The main priority for Leeds, however, is promotion to the Premier League. Without that, Longstaff has no hope of a deal. Following the March international break, Farke and his team have eight cup finals remaining.
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