Newcastle wonderkid, formerly linked with a move to Manchester United, leaves England for the MLS

According to Mirror.co, MLS club Toronto FC has confirmed the acquisition of once-highly touted Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff, who was chased by Manchester United after making his Premier League debut against them in 2019.

Despite his quick start at St James’ Park with his older brother Sean Longstaff, who currently plays in the Magpies’ midfield, Matty only made 20 appearances for his hometown club before various loan transfers. United was apparently tracking both siblings at one point, but no deals were made, and their careers have diverged.

The 23-year-old has played for Aberdeen, Mansfield Town, and Colchester United before Newcastle decided not to renew his contract. He has since found a new permanent club, joining Toronto FC on a free transfer. “I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad,” stated Toronto FC head coach John Herdman. “His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”

Longstaff signed a two-year contract that will keep him in Toronto until 2025, with an option for an additional year if he impresses. The ex-England youth player will be a huge help for Toronto, who were held to a draw in their 2024 MLS opening against Cincinnati.

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Toronto will be looking for a stronger 2024 after finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2023. The Canadian MLS club has struggled after winning the MLS Cup for the first time in 2017. They haven’t made the playoffs in the past three MLS seasons. Toronto will have to keep a watch on Longstaff’s ongoing hamstring issues. The midfielder missed 213 days due to hamstring issues before suffering a horrific knee injury that sidelined him for 187 games, culminating to his departure from the Magpies.

Nonetheless, Longstaff is keen to build a name for himself again, beginning with the MLS. “I’m really motivated to get back,” he told Sport Bible last year. “I want to be a top player.” Longstaff commented on Newcastle’s support: “The club has been fantastic to me throughout. They’ve permitted me to stay near the facility to complete my therapy, which means I have professional physios looking after me every day.

“If I need assistance on the pitch, the personnel will always be available. They’ll often inquire how I’m doing psychologically and still treat me like one of their guys.It simply demonstrates how excellent they are as humans. They’ve all played the game and sustained injuries. They understand what it’s like.