Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff depart as immortals | OneFootball

Newcastle United lifting the Carabao Cup back in March and every player who played a part in that successful run ending in eventual silverware, should count as immortals – step forward Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff.

Both have departed the club this Summer but will should remembered for all the right reasons.

Two characters you would want in the changing room, both gave everything, no matter the occasion.

Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff came into the first team squad during the Mike Ashley era, including playing under Steve Bruce through a very difficult period.

The pair of them had to endure a toxic atmosphere behind closed doors during the COVID season. However, despite all the hurdles that were faced on and off the pitch during that time, Wilson’s goals and Longstaff’s tenacity were key components to help keeping Newcastle United in the division.

When the Saudi Arabia PIF became majority shareholders of the club back in 2021, there were assumptions made that players such as Wilson and Longstaff would not be part of the masterplan, with the media putting forward names such as Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice and many other ‘name’ players.

Although PSR was undoubtedly a major factor in why superstars didn’t (couldn’t) come in early doors. When Eddie Howe was appointed, the relationship with Callum Wilson was already there from their Bournemouth days, whilst Sean Longstaff was an asset he was keen to implement.

Eddie Howe’s first full season was one to remember, with the side qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the Carabao Cup final in 2023. Wilson and Longstaff hit the heights, the striker scoring eighteen league goals that season, his highest total since joining the club back in 2020. Whilst when available, Sean Longstaff was a near ever present in the starting eleven and accomplished something every young Geordie dreams of doing, scoring a brace in the Carabao Cup semi-final in front of the Gallowgate End to secure the team’s place at Wembley.

The following season was slightly less successful.

Newcastle United finished seventh in the 2023/24 Premier League and missed out on Europe. Wilson’s minutes were limited, due to injuries and the rise of Alexander Isak, but still scored ten goals in all competitions. Longstaff continued to be a regular in the starting eleven and the highlight of his season was a goal against PSG in the Champions League at St. James’ Park. 4-1 the final score, contributing to one of the greatest European nights on Tyneside.

In their last season in black and white, they both achieved immortality. Being part of the Carabao Cup success has given every player legendary status who played a part in the journey.

Neither player managed the minutes last season (2024/25) that they would have wanted, due to injury problems (Callum Wilson) and a free from suspension Sandro Tonali making a midfield position his own. However, when getting the opportunity, both Longstaff and Wilson still showed the commitment every football fan craves from players.

Two brilliant club servants and players who should be held in the highest regard.