Done Deal: Leeds United Seal £15m Longstaff Move – But Major Crisis Still Unsolved

Leeds United Must Now Prioritise Goalkeeper Signing After Landing Sean Longstaff

Leeds United have taken another major step forward in their summer rebuild with the official signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United—but there is still considerable work to be done before the Premier League season kicks off.

After weeks of negotiations, Leeds agreed to a £15 million package with Newcastle, sealing a four-year deal for Longstaff after their initial £12m offer was turned down. The 26-year-old midfielder becomes the Whites’ fifth signing of the window, following Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Gabriel Gudmundsson.

While the addition of Longstaff boosts Leeds’ midfield depth and brings Premier League experience to the side, glaring weaknesses remain—most notably between the sticks.

Despite being linked with numerous shot-stoppers throughout the summer, Leeds are still without a definitive first-choice goalkeeper. Illan Meslier lost his starting role in April after a string of costly errors, most notably in the defeat to Swansea City, and looks increasingly unlikely to reclaim it.

Karl Darlow provided a steady presence in the final stretch of last season, but there are serious doubts over whether the veteran has the quality needed for the top flight. The club’s continued indecision in the market is raising eyebrows.

Names such as Finn Dahmen, Caoimhin Kelleher, Nick Pope, Djordje Petrovic, and James Trafford have all been linked but are now either staying at their current clubs or close to securing moves elsewhere. As a result, the list of high-calibre goalkeepers still available is narrowing fast.

Leeds still have options—Lucas Perri of Lyon, Dominik Livaković of Fenerbahçe, Robin Zentner of Mainz, and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone among them—but every passing day without a signing makes integration into the squad more difficult, especially with pre-season fixtures underway.

Goalkeepers require time to gel with their defenders and develop an understanding of the system. That window is closing. If Leeds don’t act swiftly, they risk a shaky start to life back in the Premier League.

In addition to the goalkeeper issue, questions remain up front. Joel Piroe may have claimed the Championship Golden Boot last season, but doubts persist about his ability to consistently deliver at the Premier League level.

Lukas Nmecha, though a promising signing, has a concerning injury history. Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph, meanwhile, are likely to serve as rotational options at best.

Leeds need another centre-forward—either one with top-flight pedigree or a dynamic, high-ceiling forward capable of stepping up. Potential names reportedly under consideration include Rodrigo Muniz, Timothy Weah, Callum Wilson (now a free agent), and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia.

Beyond that, further depth is needed. A creative playmaker, a wide option, and a backup full-back would help round out the squad and ensure Daniel Farke has the tools to compete across a demanding campaign.

With the season looming, Leeds must now switch focus to securing a goalkeeper and a proven striker—two critical positions that could define whether their return to the top flight is a success or short-lived.