‘I’m told’: Ben Jacobs shares how much Newcastle would actually let Sean Longstaff go to Everton for

Sean Longstaff’s future at Newcastle United remains uncertain as the January transfer window nears its conclusion, with speculation mounting over a potential departure.

Reports suggest that after Miguel Almiron, Longstaff is the player most likely to leave, raising questions about his role at the club and the financial implications of a possible transfer.

Given his status as a homegrown academy graduate, any sale would represent pure profit in Newcastle’s financial records, offering a significant boost to the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance.

Everton has emerged as a potential destination, with the club reportedly maintaining long-standing interest in the midfielder. Sean Dyche had previously targeted Longstaff, and those links have persisted following David Moyes’ arrival at Goodison Park.

However, whether a deal materializes before the transfer deadline remains uncertain. Journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated that Newcastle may be open to selling Longstaff if an offer in the region of £10 million arrives, though Everton prefers an alternative structure.

Instead of an outright purchase, the Toffees would rather secure a loan deal with an obligation to buy, contingent on the club maintaining its Premier League status.

This presents Newcastle with a difficult decision as they weigh the financial benefits against the sporting implications of losing another squad member. On one side, Longstaff has gradually fallen out of favor, no longer a guaranteed starter under Eddie Howe.

His last Premier League start came in December’s 4-2 defeat to Brentford, and since then, he has found himself watching from the bench. Newcastle also boasts solid midfield depth, with Joe Willock in a similar rotational role and young talent Lewis Miley emerging as a viable long-term option. Offloading Longstaff for a fee would help Newcastle reinvest strategically, providing much-needed flexibility in future transfer windows.

However, Howe faces the challenge of maintaining squad balance, particularly after already agreeing to sell Almiron. With a replacement right-winger unlikely to arrive before the summer, the Newcastle boss may be reluctant to further weaken his options in midfield without securing reinforcements. Letting Longstaff leave without bringing in a new signing could leave the team short of experienced depth in a crucial phase of the season.

Longstaff’s own perspective also plays a role in the equation. As a lifelong Newcastle supporter, he has been part of the club’s resurgence under Howe and remains deeply connected to its ambitions.

Newcastle is just one match away from another Wembley final, presenting a golden opportunity to end the club’s long-standing trophy drought. Given his emotional attachment to the club, Longstaff may prefer to stay and be part of what could be a historic moment rather than seeking a move elsewhere mid-season.

With the transfer window ticking down, Newcastle must decide whether the financial upside of selling Longstaff outweighs the potential risks of trimming their squad further. If a substantial bid arrives, the club may be tempted to cash in, knowing that a homegrown sale directly benefits their PSR standing.

But with key matches ahead and ambitions still alive on multiple fronts, Howe and the club’s hierarchy must carefully assess whether now is the right time to part ways with a player who has been part of Newcastle’s journey back to prominence. The coming days will determine whether Longstaff remains a Magpie or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere.