Eddie Howe made up his mind to keep 26yr old favourite at Newcastle despite contract expiring

Eddie Howe’s tenure as Newcastle United manager has shown one thing: he values loyalty above all else. Howe has developed a reputation for sticking with his favored players, even when there may be more effective options available.

This loyalty extends beyond game time, as he is equally reluctant to part ways with players who may no longer be at their peak. While this approach has worked in the club’s favor, especially given the lack of player acquisitions in recent transfer windows, it’s also raised some concerns.

This summer, many speculated that veterans Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier might be sold. Both players, though valuable, are not in the prime of their careers anymore. Selling them could have brought in some much-needed funds for the club, but Howe’s reluctance to let them go prevailed.

In this case, his decision paid off, as both players have continued to contribute to the team. Still, this illustrates a broader point about Howe’s management style: he sticks by his players, even when it might be wiser to move on.

One of Howe’s most loyal choices has been Sean Longstaff, an academy graduate who remains a fixture in the squad. Despite the arrival of Sandro Tonali, an Italy international with an impressive pedigree, Longstaff continues to see regular playing time.

Many fans find this decision baffling, given that Tonali offers more technical ability and versatility. Longstaff’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he could negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs starting in January.

However, it seems Newcastle is determined to prevent this from happening. According to reports, the club views letting Longstaff leave for free as bad business, especially considering the potential value of selling a homegrown player.

While fans may appreciate Longstaff’s loyalty and work ethic, there’s no denying that his performances are inconsistent. On his best days, he can look like a top-tier player, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

However, those days are few and far between. More often, Longstaff struggles with simple passes or misses easy opportunities, leaving fans frustrated. He’s undoubtedly a valuable squad player, and his passion for the club is clear—he bleeds black and white, after all. But passion alone doesn’t make up for his shortcomings on the pitch.

The biggest issue with Longstaff is his inconsistency. He can shine in one or two matches, giving hope that he’s turning a corner, only to disappoint in the next few games with basic errors.

It’s this unpredictability that makes him a liability in crucial moments. While Longstaff’s heart is in the right place, and no one can question his commitment to the club, he’s simply not on the same level as players like Tonali or Joe Willock. Both of these players offer more reliability and technical skill, making them better suited to Newcastle’s ambitions moving forward.

That said, it’s understandable why Howe continues to trust Longstaff. As a product of Newcastle’s academy, he represents the club’s identity, and his dedication to the team is unmatched.

For Howe, who values loyalty and consistency in character, this makes Longstaff a key figure in the squad. But at some point, loyalty needs to be balanced with pragmatism. If Newcastle wants to continue progressing, they need to field the best players available, and right now, that means giving more opportunities to players like Tonali.

Longstaff’s situation highlights a broader challenge for Howe: knowing when to move on from players who have been integral to the squad but no longer offer the same level of performance.

It’s a delicate balance, especially when those players are as dedicated as Longstaff. Still, for the good of the club, it might be time to let others take center stage.

In conclusion, while Longstaff’s passion and loyalty are commendable, it’s clear that Newcastle needs to prioritize performance over sentiment. Longstaff will always have a place in the club’s history, but for the team to continue its upward trajectory, Howe needs to make tough decisions.

Players like Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock offer more consistency and skill, and it’s time for them to take the reins as Newcastle aims for greater success.