Failed loan an ‘eye-opener’ according to a former hot prospect at Newcastle United
Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff admits his failed loan spell at Aberdeen was something of an eye-opener in terms of his career, despite his struggles to make an impact.
Longstaff was once seen as one of the hottest prospects in Newcastle. Indeed, he arrived in the Premier League in style, scoring the winner against Manchester United on his debut in 2019.
The 21-year-old struggled for playing time beyond that point though. He has made just 20 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions.
What’s more, Newcastle have looked to tempt big players to the club since their lucrative takeover. Bruno Guimaraes was signed in January, and Joe Willock joined before the takeover, both of whom are midfield players.
As such, Longstaff was clearly surplus to requirements, and made the loan switch Aberdeen. However, the loan did not pan out, as he played just five games, and returned to Newcastle within four months.
“It was an eye-opener,” he said via Daily Record.
“It was the first time I’d been out on loan. You get to see a different side of football.”
Indeed, it seems as if the change from the Premier League to the Scottish Premiership was a tough step for the youngster. Furthermore, he may lack the physical capabilities required to play in Scotland at present.
“In Scotland everything was more of a fight, there’s probably not as much quality there as there is in the Premier League,” he said.
Longstaff made the switch to League Two side Mansfield in January, where he will hope he can show his quality.
“But I think everything happens for a reason and I’m just looking forward to getting going here [Mansfield],” he said.
Longstaff replacement may need time
Guimaraes, who joined a few months after Longstaff’s departure on loan, may need time to get up to speed, according to Eddie Howe.
“Every team you join there is a period of adjustment,” he said.
“Even if you have been at a Premier League club. The adjustment is bigger if you haven’t been.
“So with Bruno Guimaraes we will have to assess him and make a decision on how quickly we transition him into the team. He is certainly someone we love and we can’t wait to see him in a Newcastle shirt.”
Newcastle fans will no doubt share the manager’s excitement at watching the Brazilian play for the club.
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