Why Everton should sign Matty Longstaff on a free transfer
According to a report from Football Insider (h/t Express), Everton are keeping a close eye on the situation of Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff. The youngster’s contract with the club expires at the end of the season, and talks over a new contract have broken down. This has put a number of clubs on high-alert, including Everton. (h/t Express)
The 20-year-old Longstaff is a product of the Newcastle United academy. The midfielder has been on the club’s books since 2010. The central midfielder broke into the first-team this season, making his debut in a League Cup tie against Leicester City in August 2019.
Since then, he has gone on to feature 11 more times for Steve Bruce’s side across all competitions, scoring three goals in the process.
Everton, meanwhile, have had a disappointing campaign. After a disastrous start to the season, the club found itself mired in the relegation battle, which led to the sacking of Marco Silva. The Toffees found some footing under interim boss Duncan Ferguson, before Carlo Ancelotti took over and steadied the ship.
However, the Toffees’ form was dwindling again prior to the season suspension. As things stand, the Merseysiders are in 12th position, with 37 points from 29 matches. Over the course of the campaign, only Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been able to perform on a consistent basis.
Everton’s midfield woes
Hence, Ancelotti should bring in new faces in the squad if Everton are to better their performances in the coming seasons. The central midfield department is an area where the club has been found wanting this season and needs strengthening.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin was signed last summer to provide competition to the only defensive midfielder in the squad – Morgan Schneiderlin. But the summer arrival has spent the entirety of the season out injured, while Schneiderlin too has had injury troubles.
Fabian Delph is another central midfielder who was brought in last summer, but the former Manchester City man too has struggled with injury problems. When fit, he hasn’t been convincing enough. That leaves them with Andre Gomes, who recently returned from a long-term injury and young Tom Davies, who has been inconsistent.
Given the unreliable nature and the inconsistent form of the midfielders available, Everton should look to bring in a new face and more depth to the side.
And Longstaff, to that end, would be a viable solution for the club. The 20-year-old has been impressive throughout his youth career at Newcastle. He had scored and assisted five goals apiece in 42 matches for the Magpies U18 side. He backed it up with a goal and six assists for the U23 side in 31 games.
And the impact he made at the first-team level is there for all to see. On his Premier League debut, against Manchester United, Longstaff scored the only goal of the game, firing Newcastle to an important victory. He has gone on to add a couple more goals to his tally already, despite playing just 12 senior matches.
Signing him would add more depth and youth to the Everton midfield. Able to play as the holding midfielder, as well as in a box-to-box role, Longstaff would provide more options to Ancelotti. In addition, he has shown that he is capable of adding goals from midfield. That is something that no Everton midfielder has done this season.
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Verdict
None of the Everton midfielders have performed consistently enough this season. Hence, adding a fresh face to the side would make sense for the club. And Longstaff, given the impact he has made in a short time at the first-team level, would prove to be quite a smart addition. More so, considering that he will be available on a free transfer.
