NafisaLeeds United are just days away from their return to Premier League action, but Daniel Farke has already provided an important indication about the future of one of his midfielders.
The Whites travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday for their opening fixture of the new campaign, with Farke’s squad looking to build on an impressive summer.
Leeds have already added four new players, including Nico Elvedi, who completed an £8.5million move from Borussia Mönchengladbach this week.
The club have also seen Joel Piroe and Sebastiaan Bornauw leave Elland Road, while further additions remain possible before the transfer window closes on September 1.
However, one player who had previously been mentioned as a potential departure now looks increasingly likely to remain in West Yorkshire.
And that is largely because of what Farke has seen from him during pre-season.
Farke delivers major update on Leeds midfielder
Leeds’ earlier interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles had raised questions about how the club would reshape its midfield if another central player arrived.
Sean Longstaff was among those whose position appeared potentially vulnerable.
The former Newcastle midfielder endured a difficult second half of last season after injury disrupted his campaign, while other players strengthened their claims for starting positions.
But Farke’s latest comments suggest the situation has changed considerably.
The Leeds boss has been impressed by Longstaff’s response during the summer and believes he has successfully fought his way back into contention.
Farke said:
«“Sean has given me joy.”»
The German coach then explained why.
«“Excellent at the beginning of last season, then a long-term injury and struggled with other players shining. Surgery at the end of last season.”»
But it was Longstaff’s response that particularly pleased the manager.
«“Happy he has forced his way back with good performances and being in the mix. He was excellent in pre-season.”»
That represents a significant endorsement.
Longstaff’s Leeds future looks secure
Longstaff’s position at Leeds had become less certain following his injury last season.
He had started the campaign strongly and initially established himself as an important part of Farke’s midfield.
However, his injury in November proved costly.
While he was recovering, Leeds’ midfield continued to develop, and the team’s improved performances made it increasingly difficult for Longstaff to simply walk back into the starting XI.
By the second half of the campaign, his league starts became increasingly limited and he was often used from the bench.
That naturally led to questions about whether Leeds would look to move him on if another midfielder arrived.
Those concerns now appear to have eased.
Farke’s public praise is significant, particularly because the manager has repeatedly stressed the importance of competition for places within his squad.
Longstaff has apparently given him another selection option.
Why this season could be crucial for Longstaff
The 28-year-old now faces a major opportunity.
His Premier League experience could prove extremely valuable as Leeds return to the top flight, but competition for midfield places is fierce.
The midfielder knows that a strong start could completely change the perception surrounding his future.
If he can rediscover the consistency he showed during the early stages of last season, he could quickly become an important part of Farke’s plans once again.
There is also the benefit of having completed a full pre-season after his previous injury problems.
That gives Longstaff an opportunity to begin the campaign on the front foot rather than attempting to regain fitness and rhythm halfway through the season.
Leeds still have work to do
Despite the positive news surrounding Longstaff, Leeds are not necessarily finished in the transfer market.
The club have already strengthened significantly with Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, James Trafford and Elvedi, while departures have helped create room within Farke’s squad.
The focus will now be on whether further additions are required in the remaining weeks of the window.
But for Longstaff, the message from his manager is clear.
Rather than being pushed towards the exit, he has earned another opportunity to establish himself.
And with Leeds preparing for their first Premier League fixture against Forest, the midfielder has the perfect stage to prove that Farke’s faith in his resurgence is justified.
Nafisa
