Everton are reportedly considering a surprising transfer for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.
Newcastle might be tempted to sell Longstaff, a local player who came through their academy, as it would represent pure profit under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Sources indicate that Everton are prepared to make a move for Longstaff in the upcoming summer transfer window.
David Moyes, the current Everton manager, is known to admire the 27-year-old midfielder and had previously considered signing him during his time at West Ham.
Longstaff is believed to be open to a potential departure from St James’ Park after being associated with Newcastle for 19 years.
Born in North Shields, Longstaff joined Newcastle’s youth academy at the age of nine in 2006 and progressed to the first team in 2016.
Last season, Newcastle were focused on Financial Fair Play compliance, making the sale of an academy graduate like Longstaff, for “pure profit,” an appealing prospect.
“Pure profit” in this context means that the entire transfer fee from selling a player developed in the academy can be recorded as profit, encouraging clubs to sell such players.
With Longstaff’s contract set to expire in June 2026, selling him to generate revenue could be a sensible decision for Newcastle.
Moving to another club would mark the first time Longstaff has played for a team other than Newcastle in his professional career.
Longstaff has experienced reduced playing time this season, falling in the midfield hierarchy.
This season, he has started only eight of Newcastle’s 28 Premier League matches and made 13 substitute appearances.
Longstaff is currently competing for a midfield spot with players like Brazilian internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, and Lewis Miley.
Throughout his 210 appearances for Newcastle, he has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists.
His brother, Matty Longstaff, also a midfielder, permanently left Newcastle to join Toronto as a free agent in January 2024 after loan spells at Aberdeen, Mansfield Town, and Colchester United.
Looking ahead, Longstaff aims to contribute to Newcastle’s quest for their first major club trophy in 70 years in the upcoming Sunday’s final.
Newcastle will face Liverpool at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final.
Marcus Bellamy