OPINION
Newcastle United might just have the next breakthrough star on their books in the shape of 21-year-old midfielder Sean Longstaff – but what does his new deal mean for the rest of the squad?
The Newcastle born-and-bred talent was confirmed on the club’s official Twitter account to have agreed a new long-term contract deal at St James’ Park, committing his future to the Magpies for the next four years.
Newcastle United are delighted to announce that midfielder Sean Longstaff has signed a new four-year contract with the club.
?? https://t.co/3HJ000BcY8 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/lIqBn9P3yU
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 3, 2018
Having made his senior bow for his boyhood club this season he looks set to try and make a big impact for Rafael Benitez’s side and with four appearances on the substitutes’ bench in the Premier League does not look too far off from becoming a regular squad member.
The long-term signing is not good for the future of Isaac Hayden though, with this surely the final nail in the coffin for the rarely-seen 23-year-old.
With just four appearances to his name across all competitions, the former Arsenal man has suffered a real fall from grace on Tyneside and with Longstaff now with a real future at the club, there is no doubting where the focus is going to turn towards.
Hayden admitted that he was seeking an exit over the summer, citing personal reasons for his desire to leave Tyneside, and Longstaff’s deal only pushes him further towards the exit door.
There will be few tears when Hayden does eventually leave, with Longstaff set to take his place in the long-term and it will be brilliant to see a Newcastle youngster finally make the grade at St James’ Park.