LONGSTAFF TO BE THE KOMPANY OF NEW MAGPIES?

Posted On May 13, 2020

When Sheikh Mansour took over Manchester City in 2008, the squad was far from elite but there were some solid players. Players like Vincent Kompany! When the team eventually transformed and won their first Premier League title in this era, Kompany was the only starter that dated the Sheikh’s multi-million dollars investment.

The much-celebrated skipper joined the club only 10 days prior to the Sheikh’s takeover but he grew to become such an influential player at the club and the league as a whole. He left in grand style as well, scoring a screamer to help seal their fourth Premier League title.

With Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) taking over the Magpies from Mike Ashley, there are rumours that Mauricio Pochettino will be hired to handle the rebuilding effort. Most of the players are expected to exit the side or be relegated to support roles as the club seeks for elite talents to meet the new mandate.

Sean Longstaff could be the rock that Pochettino builds his proverbial church on. He was linked to a move to Manchester United and other top clubs – a testament to his abilities at only 22 years old. He is one of the academy graduates that could go on to meet his potential if well managed – something Pochettino did at Spurs.

Longstaff could be that player that pre-dates this investment, develops himself and go on to achieve a lot with the club.

Aside Longstaff, there is skipper Jamal Lascelles. Lascelles is a defender, like Kompany was, with decent experience in the league and yet only 26. He was with the club as they got the promotion from the Championship to the topflight led by Rafa Benitez. He has been a good leader despite the issues the club had to grapple with.