With Freddie Woodman and Matty Longstaff convinced to stick around, Steve Bruce has secured two key players for Newcastle United’s future.
Newcastle Untied are looking to add talent this summer that can help them win now and move up the Premier League ranks. But, as a club, you always have to keep your eyes to the future. With two big moves, Steve Bruce has helped make that future look a little bit brighter.
Last week, Freddie Woodman agreed to a new long-term contract with the Magpies ahead of the final year of his contract. Now, Bruce has reportedly convinced Matty Longstaff to commit to Newcastle United rather than leave on a free move this offseason. A breakout performer this season, the 20-year-old was drawing interest from clubs like Brighton and Udinese after he turned down previous offers from Newcastle to extend his stay.
Something that Newcastle United have struggled with in recent years is developing their young talent and having them successfully transition from the Academy or U-23s to the first team. But, Woodman and Longstaff can both be key contributors a few years down the road. Bruce deserves a lot of credit for selling a vision to the two youngsters and keeping them around for years to come.
With those two pieces of business, the NUFC manager has secured the club’s goalkeeper of the future and one of their most promising midfielders. Woodman will obviously be on loan with Swansea City this season, but Longstaff will likely contribute to the first team again this season. Or, if the club can add another central midfielder or two, Bruce could decide to loan Matty out, too, giving him a chance to be a consistent starter elsewhere. No matter what they choose to do, Bruce has been able to keep two promising players that will help Newcastle for years to come.