Debut, England U20 callup, £30k per week Udinese offer, New Year appearances over 2019/20, PL2 appearance against Sunderland after frozen out, Bruce said injury and speculation affected him, 2020/21 a 'big learning curve'
Graeme Souness in October 2019: he looks like he belongs at this level
Bruce in June 2020: "I’ve gone public with it – I think we’ve made him a wonderful offer, and for me, that should be his way forward in his career.
“I’ve said it many times that being a Newcastle lad, and having had the season he’s just had, now it’s his way forward.
"Of course, we would all love him to stay, but as young as he is, the players now, it’s their prerogative if they want to run down their contract, then there’s nothing much more we can do as a club.
"We’ve done everything we possibly can, the rest is now up to Matty, for him to decide."
Bruce in March 2021: "Matty at the moment is not in the side but let us not forget he has a huge big future, there is no question about that.
"He had a big rise last year and finds himself out the team at the minute.
"He has to stick with it, his time will come again that's for sure."
Howe in July 2022: "I think is in a slightly different position with the competition in midfielder because it’s such a strong unit for us. We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again."
Longstaff is now in the final year of his contract and in the past Newcastle have been known to loan fringe players out and extend their contracts before sending them off. When asked about that prospect, Howe said: "We’ll see what comes up for Matty.
"What he has shown in pre-season is a brilliant attitude. He’s brilliant around the group, loves Newcastle - he’s Newcastle through and through.
"He’s got a great relationship with his brother and the lads love him. We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see."
