---
title: "Pundit claims Newcastle’s transfer plans around Matty Longstaff have changed"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2020/12/03/paul-robinson-says-magpies-cant-afford-to-loan-out-matty-longstaff/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jrushworth"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-12-03T07:00:08Z"
modified: "2020-12-03T07:00:08Z"
---

# Pundit claims Newcastle’s transfer plans around Matty Longstaff have changed

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has said that Newcastle will be unable to sanction a loan departure for [Matty Longstaff](https://readnewcastle.com/2020/11/30/newcastle-fans-react-matty-longstaff-derby-loan-rumours/) in January amid reports of a virus outbreak in their squad.

Longstaff has found game-time limited at the start of the campaign, having had just [one appearance in the Premier League](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/matthew-longstaff/leistungsdaten/spieler/484387) so far, which came during their 2-0 defeat at Southampton. However, the 20-year-old might get more of a chance to impress soon, with the Magpies having as many as [five players ruled out of action](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55139821) due to a Covid outbreak, resulting in Friday’s game against Aston Villa [being postponed](https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/aston-villa-trip-postponed-due-to-covid-19-outbreak/).

Newcastle managed to keep hold of Longstaff in the summer, with the midfielder signing a [new two-year deal](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53873445#:~:text=Newcastle%20midfielder%20Matty%20Longstaff%20has,coming%20through%20the%20Newcastle%20academy.) amid interest from Serie A side Udinese, who had been ready to offer him a sizeable deal to take him to Italy, per [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/11999361/matty-longstaff-newcastle-midfielder-offered-udinese-contract). However, following his lack of game-time, it had been reported by [The Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/) that Championship side Derby County are interested in a loan move for him in January.

However, speaking to [Football Insider,](https://www.footballinsider247.com/chaos-exclusive-robinson-fears-newcastle-will-block-midfielder-exit-after-big-sky-reveal/) Robinson outlined that the Magpies will probably not be able to sanction any departures for their fringe players in January, with Steve Bruce’s squad [being so stretched](https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php) at the moment. He said of Longstaff:

> He has not been playing, he has barely sniff at all but now is his chance. Steve Bruce cannot afford to let any of his squad go with the current coronavirus situation.
>
> The positive tests may have thrown the January transfer plans into chaos. Players that could have left may now be told that they have to stay.
>
> If he was allowed to leave on loan it would be similar to Troy Parrott. Get out to a top Championship club, get playing and show people what you can do. I think he would come back a better player if that happened.

### **Read Newcastle verdict**

The Magpies’ squad is set to be stretched to breaking point over the next few days and it will be a reminder to Bruce ahead of the January window over the potential implications that letting some fringe players leave could have on their squad depth during the second half of the season.

Longstaff would probably be open to the idea of going out on loan and getting some regular minutes under his belt, and the midfielder shows signed of untapped potential during his [nine Premier League appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/matthew-longstaff/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/484387/plus/0/saison/2019/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/762) last season. The 20-year-old has this season been unable to get into the side ahead of the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick.

However, as Robinson suggests, Longstaff could get more of a chance over the festive period, especially if Newcastle’ squad continues to be stretched. Therefore, it could be a real risk to allow him to leave the club and join Derby on loan in January unless they are able to bring in one or two other midfield options.