Newcastle United are preparing to welcome Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff back to St James’ Park.

Sean Longstaff left Newcastle United during the summer transfer window, joining Leeds United for £12million following their promotion to the Premier League.

It was incredibly sad to see Longstaff leave, but the deal made sense for all parties. Newcastle needed to boost their PSR position, Longstaff wanted to play regular first-team football, and Leeds wanted an experienced Premier League midfielder.

If PSR did not exist, Newcastle should have kept Longstaff! Tell me why I’m wrong ❌

Longstaff has done well since joining Leeds, performing particularly well in the 0-0 draw against the Magpies at Elland Road in August.

Now the 28-year-old is visiting St James’ Park for the first time as an opposition player, and Eddie Howe is excited to see his former player back on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle United miss Sean Longstaff

Ahead of Newcastle United vs Leeds on Wednesday night, Howe has spoken to the media.

He was asked about Longstaff’s looming return, with the Newcastle United manager admitting that his side have missed the local lad’s qualities.

However, Howe also added that joining Leeds was the right decision for Longstaff.

“Sean is an outstanding player,” he said.

“We were sad to lose him. He contributed massively here and I really enjoyed working with him. He cares so deeply about this club.

“When I first trained with him I saw the level of player he could be. Our system brought out the best in him. He scored important goals. He really loves and understands the game. We have missed him.

“But we wished him well, it was the right move for him. He has done really well there when he’s been fit.

“We will welcome him back [on Wednesday], it will be great to see him, but we all want to do well.”

Would a draw against Leeds be a good result? 🤝

History would suggest it could be another level game!

Sean Longstaff would have struggled for minutes at Newcastle United this season

If it were not for PSR, you could argue that Newcastle United should have kept Longstaff. He was a reliable member of the squad who always gave his all for the badge.

However, Longstaff would have struggled for minutes had he remained at St James’ Park.

He was already struggling to get in the team ahead of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, while the emergence of Lewis Miley would have limited Longstaff’s game-time even more.

Leaving his boyhood club will have been a difficult decision, but it was the right one for Longstaff. He has proven to be a great addition to the Leeds United squad, as they aim to avoid relegation back to the Championship.