The 23-year-old has officially departed Newcastle United, having progressed through the academy and into the first squad.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s manager, has offered his best wishes to the “inspirational” Matty Longstaff on his transfer to MLS club FC Toronto.
The 23-year-old was released by the Magpies in June, but he remained at the club’s Benton training facility in the months following to finish his recuperation from an ACL injury incurred on Boxing Day 2022 while on loan at League Two side Colchester United.
Having fought his way back to fitness in the New Year, several Championship, League One, and League Two clubs expressed interest in Longstaff, but he has decided to make the move across the pond by signing a two-year contract with an option for a third year.
“I’m delighted for him, what an inspirational character,” Howe remarked. “Of course, we have close relationships with his family, Sean, and Matty, and we did everything we could to help him come back to full condition.
“He’s worked incredibly hard, he’s an infectious guy and we wish him all the best.”
Longstaff made 20 first-team appearances for Newcastle and scored three goals, his most memorable being his winning strike against Manchester United at St guy James’ Park on his Premier League debut in 2019.
He signed a new contract at the end of the following season, but his playing time was severely restricted by then-head coach Steve Bruce. He then went on loan to Aberdeen, Mansfield Town, and Colchester before being released by United last year.
Despite the regret of not establishing a career at his boyhood club, Longstaff thinks he has a lot to be thankful for. In a recent interview with NewcastleWorld, he stated, “I can’t thank Newcastle enough for everything they’ve done.
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