Newcastle United

Newcastle United midfielder Matthew Longstaff has said he went to bed dreaming of his match-winning performance against Manchester United at St. James' Park.

Longstaff, 19, made his senior Newcastle debut at home to the Red Devils on Sunday and scored the only goal of the game. He told reporters about when he found out he'd be starting in Steve Bruce's XI and his mental preparations for the clash:

"Getting to play with Sean was unbelievable. We used to kick each other in the garden growing up so to be on the same team, for our hometown club, and to win against Man Utd, who are a good side, is a bit surreal.

"I found out I was in the team after training yesterday. Your belly starts to turn a bit, you get a bit nervous and then you don't sleep much.

"Last night you go to bed dreaming of it but you never really think it will happen. I'm over the moon."

Matthew's older brother, Sean, is an established part of the Newcastle lineup, but his younger sibling outshone him on this occasion, via Sky Sports and Fox Soccer (U.S. and UK viewers only):

Man United are behind at Newcastle! 😬

It's the local boy, 19-year-old Matty Longstaff with the goal on his Premier League debut.

(via @NBCSportsSoccer)pic.twitter.com/FqviDONgJs

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 6, 2019

There are plenty of teenagers around the world who will empathise with his level of excitement ahead of his Premier League debut, having gathered much attention in Newcastle's youth ranks over the past year.

Longstaff previously played the full 90 minutes against Leicester City in this season's EFL Cup, when his team went on to lose the second-round clash 5-3 on penalties.

Both Longstaff brothers come highly rated within the Newcastle ranks, and elder sibling Sean has been linked with several elite clubs already this year, including Manchester United, per the Sunday Times' Martin Hardy.

Bruce will surely be hopeful of keeping the two brothers in his lineup for as long as possible. Soccer AM shared a look at the healthy competition they've ignited in Newcastle's midfield:

"I thought he was the best player but I'll take it!" 😂

Love the Longstaff brothers! 👌 pic.twitter.com/AIAuiGIKz1

— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) October 6, 2019

Sky Sports' Keith Downie also praised Bruce for his role in handing Longstaff his first taste of top-flight minutes:

Brave call for Steve Bruce to throw in a teenager who’d never kicked a ball in the Premier League before. The Newcastle boss has been saying since he arrived Matty Longstaff has stood out in training. He stood out a mile on the pitch, too #NUFC

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 6, 2019

Newcastle fans will hope there are plenty more moments of heroism in store for Longstaff, an academy product only just starting out his professional journey.

Granted, this United team may not be the most talented that's travelled to St. James' Park in recent years, but that won't have diluted Longstaff's fantasy feat in the slightest.

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager on a three-year contract after the Englishman resigned from his role as Sheffield Wednesday boss. 

The Magpies confirmed Bruce as Rafael Benitez's successor on Wednesday, and the 58-year-old said he is relishing the challenge that awaits at St James' Park:

“There is a huge challenge ahead of us, but it’s one that my staff and I are ready for. We’ll roll our sleeves up and we’ll be giving it everything from the off to ensure supporters have a successful team that they can be proud of.”

Read more: https://t.co/BTjZACgqtb #NUFC pic.twitter.com/IWdJLsp34K

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 17, 2019

A boyhood Newcastle fan but former Sunderland manager, Bruce had only been in charge of Wednesday since February.

However, he emerged as the leading candidate to replace Benitez after the Spaniard left at the end of June, and he will now take up his first Premier League job since he was relegated with Hull City in 2015:

Steve Bruce's record in the Premier League:

• 392 games
• 110 wins
• 109 draws
• 173 losses

Returns to the top-flight after a three year absence. pic.twitter.com/Ldq0idjpML

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 17, 2019

Newcastle will be the 10th club Bruce has managed since he cut his teeth in the dugout with Sheffield United back in 1998-99.

The former centre-back was successful as a player, most notably winning three Premier League titles and a European Cup Winners' Cup with Manchester United. 

Bruce's credentials as a manager, though, cannot come close to matching those of his predecessor at Newcastle.

Benitez was appointed Magpies boss in 2016 having managed Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid, and boasting a trophy haul that included two La Liga titles, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Europa League, the FA Cup, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League.

He went down to the Championship with Newcastle in 2016 but immediately led them back up by winning the title in 2016-17, and he then oversaw 10th and 13th-place finishes in the Premier League.

Bruce will do well to match those results given the quality of his squad, and he may well have to prepare himself for a relegation battle in 2019-20. 

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has described rumours linking him with the vacancy at Newcastle United as "fake news."

According to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder, Gerrard is on the shortlist to replace Rafa Benitez, whom he played under at Liverpool.

However, per the Daily Record's Gary Ralston, Gerrard's response to such links was: "Fake news. Not that I'm aware of."

Benitez left the club when his contract expired at the end of June, having kept the Magpies in the Premier League for the second season running after earning promotion with them in 2017.

The Spaniard cited the lack of ambition at the club as the reason he failed to agree terms:

To Newcastle United fans https://t.co/5gu4eopVjf #NUFC #Newcastle #Toons #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/vLnmVSBGs2

— Rafa Benitez (@rafabenitezweb) July 1, 2019

Newcastle are yet to sign anyone this summer and have not retained striker Salomon Rondon, who was on loan from West Bromwich Albion last season, on a permanent basis. They've also sold Ayoze Perez to Leicester City.

Between them, the pair scored or assisted 32 of Newcastle's 42 Premier League goals last season.

Football writer Daniel Storey put their situation in perspective:

Not saying Newcastle United are in trouble, but when Ayoze Perez leaves their top goalscorer from last season will be a centre-back who missed three months of the campaign through injury.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) July 3, 2019

Although a move to the Premier League would be a step up for Gerrard's managerial career, a move to Newcastle would hold little appeal.

The Liverpool legend enjoyed a strong first campaign in charge at Rangers, whom he guided to second in the Scottish Premiership. The side accrued eight more points than the previous season, scored six more goals and conceded 23 fewer.

He'll be hoping for them to improve again in the upcoming campaign and offer Celtic more of a challenge for the title. Compared to what will almost certainly be a relegation battle with a Newcastle side that lacks quality or firepower, staying where he is makes far more sense.    

Newcastle United have signed Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

The Magpies announced the capture of the Paraguay international on Thursday:

We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Miguel Almirón from @ATLUTD.

The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at St. James' Park until June 2024.

Full story: https://t.co/5NxxCEHhNx #NUFC pic.twitter.com/a5MV5QBTum

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 31, 2019

The attacking midfielder said one of the key reasons he opted for the move to Newcastle was to work under manager Rafael Benitez, per the club statement:

"I'm very happy and eager to start and to meet my new team-mates. The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now. I think it is a great responsibility, something beautiful for me, and I will try to offer the best I can to repay the trust the club put in me."

Per BBC Sport, Almiron has joined for a club-record fee of around £20 million, surpassing the £16 million the club paid for Michael Owen's move from Real Madrid in 2005.

The 24-year-old has arrived after two successful seasons in Major League Soccer, which culminated in him playing a key role for Atlanta as they won the MLS Cup for the first time in 2018.

OptaJoe provided his impressive numbers last season:

10+ - Miguel Almirón was one of only six players to record double figures for both goals and assists (13 goals, 11 assists) in Major League Soccer 2018 (incl. playoffs). Magpie? pic.twitter.com/D4g9z3Yxem

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 29, 2019

Almiron was named in MLS' Best XI and All-Star sides in both campaigns and was also named MLS' Newcomer of the Year in 2017 following his arrival from Argentinian outfit Lanus.

Roberto Rojas of the Low Limit Futbol podcast and Atlanta United reporter Doug Roberson gave some insight as to what Newcastle fans can expect from their new signing:

He is also a player that works hard to track back on defense just as good as he is offensively, a free kick specialist as well with a good shot. While he does get fouled a lot but does so to win those fouls, the importance to his teammates and rivals is clearly there instantly.

— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) January 29, 2019

For #NUFC supporters wanting to know a bit about Almiron:
Fast;
Strong left foot;
Weak right foot;
Good vision;
Works hard to track back on defense;
Decent shooter;
Stays healthy;
Finds good positions;
Goes to ground easily to win fouls;
Coachable;#newcastle#ATLUTD#MLS#PL

— Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) January 29, 2019

His arrival should serve as a major boost for the Toon, who have spent the season once again battling against relegation.

Newcastle have scored just 21 goals from 24 Premier League matches this season, and they've only managed three in a single league game once. Only Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City have netted fewer.

The Premier League will be a step up for Almiron, but if he can find his feet quickly, he could provide the creative and goalscoring spark the Magpies need to secure survival.

Former Manchester United star and current pundit Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, saying it's only natural for him not to spend money on the club while he's trying to sell it.

As reported by the Chronicle's Kristan Heneage and Tom Marshall-Bailey Ferdinand has previously defended the controversial owner and did so again before Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea:

"I understand Rafa’s frustrations because as a manager you want the ability to go out and spend money, but they’re not in that position.

"At the same time I understand Mike Ashley. Why is he going to spend more and more money - millions and millions of pounds - when he’s actually looking to sell the club? He’s got them to a point now where they’re back in the Premier League and they’re consolidating to a certain extent.

"He’s not going to go spend his own money. You wouldn’t go spend your own money now knowing you were trying to sell something unless you knew you were going to get that back.

"It’s not easy to sell a football club. He’s got a price and he’s going to wait to get it. He’s spent money at that football club, he’s just not going to spend it at this time."

He also said Magpies fans shouldn't aim to be at the level of Manchester United or Manchester City but rather try to emulate a club like Bournemouth.

BT Sport shared more from Ferdinand, who said fans should be thankful for the investments Ashley did to get them back to the Premier League and the hiring of manager Rafa Benitez:

"I don't even know him [Mike Ashley] very well!"

"When they went down, he spent £50m of his own money to get them up. Thank you, that should be."

"By the way, please say thank you for getting Rafa Benítez in! They're lucky to have him!"@rioferdy5 on Newcastle and their owner. pic.twitter.com/9TID7rJpOF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 12, 2019

Football writer Daniel Storey questioned those comments, however, dismissing those notions as a "myth":

In that Championship season, Newcastle United spent approximately £55m on players. They sold Moussa Sissoko for £30m, Georginio Wijnaldum for £25m and Andros Townsend for £14m, plus a few more. I'm sorry, but it's a myth from Ferdinand.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 12, 2019

Ashley, who made his money through sporting goods chain Sports Direct, has been the owner of the Magpies since 2007. The Magpies have been relegated twice since he took control, and rumours of a possible sale have been floated for almost a decade.

Fans have constantly criticised Ashley for a lack of spending in the transfer market, and a recent report revealed the Magpies are the only Premier League team with a negative net spend over the last three seasons:

Spending over the past 3 windows in this mornings paper.. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/CgPDtgtIeV

— NUFC1982 (@NUFC19822) January 1, 2019

Heneage explained the fans aren't asking Ashley to spend his own money, but rather put the club's revenue back into the team:

In listening to @rioferdy5 on BT Sport it's important to clarify, #NUFC fans do not necessarily want Mike Ashley to put his money into the club (it would be nice, but still). They want him to invest the money the club has generated through player sales & TV money. Big difference.

— Kris Heneage (@KHeneage) January 12, 2019

Benitez has also expressed his frustration at the lack of spending but revealed he turned down moves to clubs with "more money" ahead of the Chelsea match, per Goal.

Newcastle have won just four matches in the Premier League this season and currently sit in the relegation zone.    

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez says he has turned down offers from other teams with "more money" to remain at St James' Park despite ongoing tensions between the club's ownership and the fans.

Owner Mike Ashley has long been a controversial figure at the north-east club due to his investment approach.

Benitez spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League matchup against old club Chelsea, and the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Valencia chief said he's rejected more lucrative opportunities to stay put:

"I had teams, agents, talking with more money than here. When I say more money, more money than here. But still I want to do something here, I want to stay in England.

"I'm close to my family, the fans have been fantastic, so you try to do something properly.

"Yes it's a risk, but it's a challenge, and I will try to do my best to win every single game."

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope wrote the big-money offers are thought to have come from clubs in China, although it wouldn't be a surprise to learn European powers are still trying to tempt the Spaniard.

Benitez went on to talk about the need for unity among those at the club despite any struggles they've encountered, having been disappointed this season after finishing 10th in the Premier League last term:

🎥 You can now watch Rafa Benítez's full media briefing from earlier this afternoon on NUFC TV.

Watch here: https://t.co/p0fK2cPoTp #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PClrWQyHJE

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 11, 2019

The Chronicle's Lee Ryder recently reported Newcastle owner Ashley was prepared to give potential buyer Peter Kenyon time to find the funds necessary to purchase the club. It's believed Ashley is seeking a sale price in excess of £300 million.

The Magpies are 15th in the table as things stand and sit tied on points with Burnley and promoted Cardiff City, just two points off the relegation zone.

Veteran tactician Benitez deserves praise for the job considering Newcastle brought in only five players over the summer and sold for a net profit.

Former Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given told Sky Bet Benitez can be the man to take Newcastle back to glory if given the right parameters at St James' Park:

😳 Shay Given isn't holding back on @NUFC's situation off the pitch.

🗣 "If they get the right owner, the right person, to back someone like Rafa Benitez, that's what the club deserves." #NUFC pic.twitter.com/4m7dQ3HT7S

— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) January 9, 2019

Newcastle have scored only 15 goals this season—second only to bottom club Huddersfield Town in the Premier League.

Earlier this season, one of the Spaniard's former Liverpool charges, Jamie Carragher, defended his old boss and said he did not deserve to be sacked:

It's unlikely the 2005 UEFA Champions League winner would struggle for employment if he were to leave the north-east, and Benitez has demonstrated his appreciation for Newcastle by sticking around this long.  

Newcastle United officials will reportedly meet to address the club's January transfer budget as a means to help convince manager Rafa Benitez to remain at the club beyond this season. 

Benitez has expressed dissatisfaction with the club's lack of transfer market ambition, but Luke Edwards of the Telegraph wrote director Lee Charnley has been instructed by owner Mike Ashley to find out what the tactician wants.

According to Edwards, Ashley "remains keen" for Benitez to stay at St. James' Park past this term, but the manager is understood to be unwilling to sign a contract until he discovers his winter budget.

Ashley watched Newcastle's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, the first game of the club's he's attended in almost 18 months as segments of the club's fans rail against his ownership.

The Magpies currently sit 18th in the Premier League and have taken two points from their first six games of the season after selling players for a profit in the summer. 

Per Transfermarkt, Newcastle were one of only two teams to come out of the summer transfer window with a net profit, Watford being the other. However, the Hornets made more permanent signings and are up to fourth under manager Javi Gracia.

Former Wales striker Dean Saunders appeared on BT Sport recently and was in high praise of Benitez for the work he's done at St. James' Park despite the disappointing results of late (UK only):

"He's not David Copperfield, he can't keep doing it!" 🤣

Dean Saunders says Rafa Benitez is getting Mike Ashley out of trouble...#BTSportScore pic.twitter.com/rxkBFDqrtq

— BT Sport Score (@btsportscore) September 22, 2018

The Spanish tactician is contracted to the northeast club until the end of this season and might consider his position below a man boasting his credentials, especially if he finds himself in a relegation scrap this campaign.

BeIN Sports pundits Richard Keys and Andy Gray chose to take a different tack on Benitez's Newcastle endeavours and said it was up to the manager, not those controlling the club, to improve their results:

Andy Gray & John Collins slam Rafa Benitez's negative tactics. Newcastle fans deserve better!#beINPL #NUFC pic.twitter.com/RnuyjfZla8

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 23, 2018

If the summer serves as any indicator as to what kind of funds will be made available for January, it may not be a good omen for Benitez, who may also want to see out the window before penning any new terms.

Despite picking up his first point in four matches at Selhurst Park on Saturday, Benitez cast a dejected figure in his post-match press conference, per reporter Layth Yousif:

Sad to see Rafa Benitez looking so dejected in the post-match press conference at St James' Park on Saturday. A dignified football man clearly frustrated at the situation at Newcastle, hamstrung by the lack of funds from the owner, but unable to say what he really feels

— Layth (@laythy29) September 16, 2018

Edwards details Benitez doesn't only want more funds available for transfers but also wants to have a certain say on targets, with chief scout Steve Nickson set to attend alongside fellow scouts Paul Baker and Mick Tait.

Benitez is understood to have been buoyed by Ashley's attendance in the draw at Palace on Saturday, but a lot more than a cursory show of support will be required for the UEFA Champions League-winning boss to stay on.

Newcastle United have confirmed a deal to sign Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer, per the club's official website.

South Korea international Ki, who played for Swansea City in the Premier League last season, will officially join the Magpies on July 1, "subject to receiving the appropriate visa."

Keith Downie of Sky Sports confirmed the length of the contract:

Newcastle have signed South Korean international Ki Sung-Yeung from Swansea. The midfielder has signed a two-year deal on a free transfer.

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) June 29, 2018

Ki is now free to join his new club after South Korea made an early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He and his team-mates finished third in Group F but did eliminate Germany after a famous 2-0 win on Wednesday.

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez welcomed the 29-year-old's arrival, heralding his experience and leadership:

"I'm pleased to welcome Ki to the club. He is a player with lots of Premier League and international experience and it was an easy decision to bring him here. He is the captain of his country, a good character and he will be a good addition to the squad."

For his part, Ki expressed his enthusiasm about getting to play in front of the Newcastle faithful: "I'm so pleased I can join the club. I was always pleasantly surprised when I came to St. James' Park to play against Newcastle – there is a great atmosphere and the passion from the fans is a great support to the players."

Both Benitez and Ki have the right to feel pleased with a deal representing shrewd business for Newcastle and a wise career move for the player. The Magpies are getting a midfielder cultured on the ball and with a good instinct for threading passes between the lines.

Despite the Swans' relegation from England's top flight last season, Ki still helped himself to a pair of goals and just as many assists. He will add technical quality from deep areas to a side loaded with brawn and athleticism in the middle thanks to Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame.

The presence of Shelvey, a midfielder with similar vision, should help Ki make a quick start to life with the Magpies. His presence gives Benitez valuable depth in the engine room, as well as a playmaker capable of improving the quality of Newcastle's passing with the ability to encourage quicker transitions going forward.

Newcastle United confirmed on Monday the club has been put up for sale by owner Mike Ashley. 

The Magpies released a statement on their official website revealing St. James Holdings Limited is intent on selling. Here's a section of the bulletin:

"As one of the Premier League's oldest and best supported football clubs—and for the benefit of its many fans and supporters in the UK and across the world—Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future.

"To give the club the best possible opportunity of securing the positioning and investment necessary to take it to the next level, at what is an important time in its history, its present ownership has determined that it is in the best interests of Newcastle United and its fans for the club to be put up for sale."

Ashley has been in charge of Newcastle since 2007 and has been a figure of controversy at St James’ Park, with supporters having previously protested against his ownership. 

As noted by Jack de Menezes of the Independent, fans have previously been unhappy with a lack of investment in new players and the speed at which the club change manager. During Ashley’s ownership, the club have twice been relegated from the Premier League.

According to De Menezes, it’s noted the owner has been asking for around £400 million before agreeing to sell, although now he may be willing to cash in for around £200 million.

Alan Shearer, the club’s all-time record goalscorer, was clearly pleased when the news was announced:

Just heard ..... pic.twitter.com/0RrorVrO07

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) October 16, 2017

However, football journalist Kristan Heneage isn’t quite sure the announcement is significant based on Ashley’s past; as noted by BBC Sport, he’s twice made it clear he wanted to sell in 2008 and 2009:

Stop me if you've heard this one before. I'd imagine Ashley is doing this to flush out or firm up interest in buying the club. https://t.co/Fp7uke4Zdk

— Kris Heneage (@KHeneage) October 16, 2017

Per De Menezes, speculation about a potential sale by Ashley was piqued during Newcastle’s recent home game against Liverpool, when financier Amanda Staveley was pictured in the directors’ box at St James’ Park.

After slipping into the Championship after a disappointing campaign in 2015-16, Newcastle are back in the top flight again under the guidance of manager Rafael Benitez. After a strong beginning to the campaign, they find themselves in ninth position in the table.

Newcastle United have moved quickly to turn Mikel Merino's loan deal into a permanent move, exercising their clause to sign him to a five-year contract just months after he joined from Borussia Dortmund. 

Tom Easterby of the club's official website confirmed the news. Speaking to NUFC TV, the 21-year-old expressed his joy at making the move permanent:

"I’m really happy to be here, and for this part of the contract to finally be official. I’m happy to be here for five more years and I hope to keep playing for this club and to give good things to all the people and the club.

"I have been focussed on football always, but it’s good to know it’s now official and people will know it. I’m focussed on my displays and improving myself, and I’m really happy to have signed this contract."

Merino spent just one season at Borussia Dortmund before he was sent on loan to Newcastle, in what many fans thought was a shock decision from the German club. The young Spaniard had flashed plenty of promise at the Signal Iduna Park, even if playing time had been hard to come by.

As shared by Squawka Football, it's easy to see why the Magpies have already used their clause, as Merino has exceeded all expectations:

Mikel Merino for Newcastle in the league this season:

Most passes (296)
Most tackles (23)
Most interceptions (13)
Most take-ons (12)

⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/WvvBnqMycJ

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 13, 2017

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Merino cost the club less than £9 million in total, making this signing an incredible piece of business.

Team-mate Ayoze Perez couldn't help but troll Barcelona and the infamous Gerard Pique photo, taken shortly before Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain:

Se queda! @mikelmerino1 🔝🇪🇸
He stays! 🔝🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/Pak0zy1I8k

— Ayoze Perez (@AyozePG) October 13, 2017

The Spain under-21 international could well prove to be the top value signing of the Premier League season, and if he continues to develop at the same spectacular rate, BVB will rue the decision to let him go for years to come.