- Boyhood Newcastle United fan ‘playing agent’
- Sean Longstaff and Andoni Iraola in post game exchange
- Howe likely to stay at Newcastle
Newcastle United fan and ex-player Sean Longstaff caught the attention of the Geordie faithful on social media this week. The midfielder was part of what initially seemed an innocuous exchange with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
Longstaff’s current club, Leeds United, posted a video to their X account in the aftermath of their 2-2 draw with the Cherries, which included a short clip of Longstaff conversing with Iraola.
But, never the type to miss a trick, some Newcastle fans picked up on what appeared to be said between the two, with Longstaff seemingly doing some agent work for his boyhood club.
What Sean Longstaff said to Andoni Iraola
The suggestion on social media was that Longstaff had asked Iraola, “Are you going to Newcastle?” and it must be said that is exactly what it looked like.
Given that Longstaff is a boyhood Newcastle fan, it isn’t unfathomable that he would have a bit of a joke with the prospective Newcastle boss.
It isn’t clear whether that is exactly what was said or Iraola’s response. Having watched the video back, there were Leeds fans supporting the sentiment that Longstaff had at least mentioned Newcastle during the interaction.
Iraola has been linked with the Newcastle United job since it was announced he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season.
The ongoing speculation around the possibility of Eddie Howe seeing the exit door has added fuel to the fire, leading to Iraola spending a lot of time near the top of the betting odds to be the Magpies’ next boss.
Ex Newcastle United star ‘playing agent’
Newcastle have a history of players helping them in their chase of signings, with William Osula catching headlines last summer for his hand in convincing Anthony Elanga to join the Magpies.
If Longstaff fancied jumping on the bandwagon, he may be the man to thank if Newcastle do land the current Bournemouth boss in the summer.
The midfielder left Newcastle last summer for a fee of around £12 million in a move which was needed both for the player to get regular minutes and for the club to upgrade in the market.
Clearly, Longstaff’s ties to the club as a supporter got the better of him on this occasion, and his Geordie roots shone through once more, if that’s actually what he said, of course.
Eddie Howe to stay?
Despite Longstaff’s efforts, it would appear Eddie Howe will still be the man at the helm next season.
The hierarchy has reportedly given Howe their full support ahead of the summer rebuild, with a meeting scheduled between Howe and board members this week to discuss the plan going forward.
Howe has struggled tremendously to get the best out of his players in the Premier League but has earned the right to try and turn things around next season in the eyes of those above him.
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Poor’ 3/10 and ‘frazzled’ 4 as Arsenal edge win.
