Sean Longstaff showing why he could be like a new signing for Leeds United after impressive pre-season

Sean Longstaff may not be one of Leeds United's new arrivals this summer, but his performances in pre-season suggest he could feel like one.

The midfielder is enjoying an impressive start to preparations for the 2026/27 campaign, scoring twice in three matches and playing an influential role in each of Leeds' fixtures during their tour of the United States.

Having found the net against Wrexham before completing Liverpool's comeback with another goal in Chicago, Longstaff has been one of Daniel Farke's standout performers as the Whites continue to build momentum ahead of the new Premier League season.

His form is particularly encouraging given how his first year at Elland Road unfolded.

After arriving from Newcastle United last summer, Longstaff looked set to become a regular in Farke's midfield.

However, injuries disrupted his progress during the first half of the campaign, making it difficult to build any real rhythm just as Leeds were beginning to settle into life back in the Premier League.

While he worked his way back to full fitness, Anton Stach emerged as one of the club's most consistent performers.

The German midfielder's form made it difficult for Longstaff to reclaim a starting place, despite being available for selection once again.

Rather than becoming frustrated, Longstaff continued to contribute whenever called upon.

By the end of the campaign, he had worked his way back into Farke's plans and played an important role off the bench during the closing weeks of the season.

One of the defining moments came away at Bournemouth, where his equalising goal helped Leeds rescue a valuable point in a result that saw the Whites reach the 40-point mark and effectively secure Premier League safety.

It was a reminder of the qualities that persuaded Leeds to sign him in the first place.

Across the campaign, Longstaff made 28 appearances in all competitions, with 23 of those coming in the Premier League.

While he was not always a regular starter, he consistently showed his value as an experienced midfielder capable of stepping into the side when needed.

This pre-season, though, there is a sense that he has returned with renewed confidence.

His opening goal against Wrexham highlighted his willingness to arrive late in the penalty area, while his display against Sunderland once again demonstrated the energy and composure he brings to Leeds' midfield.

Against Liverpool, however, he produced his most complete performance of the summer.

Introduced at half-time with Leeds trailing 2-0, Longstaff immediately helped raise the intensity of Leeds' play.

Alongside Brenden Aaronson, Harry Wilson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he played a key role in transforming the game as the Whites scored four unanswered goals.

His goal summed up his strengths perfectly.

Reading the attack brilliantly, Longstaff timed his run into the penalty area to perfection before meeting Aaronson's cut-back and applying the finish that completed Leeds' remarkable comeback.

It was his second goal of pre-season, but his influence extended well beyond finding the net.

Throughout the tour, Longstaff has covered huge distances, pressed aggressively without the ball and helped link defence to attack with simple but intelligent passing.

They are qualities that often go unnoticed but are essential to the way Farke wants his side to play.

Competition in midfield remains fierce. Ampadu, Stach and Ao Tanaka all enjoyed strong campaigns last season, while Leeds continue to be linked with further reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

Rather than seeing that as a problem, Longstaff appears to be embracing the challenge.

His performances over the past three matches have strengthened his case for more regular involvement and reminded supporters why Leeds invested in him a year ago.

With two goals in three pre-season appearances and influential displays in every outing, Longstaff is beginning to look like a player ready to make a far bigger impact in his second season at Elland Road.

If he can stay fit and carry this form into the Premier League campaign, Leeds may discover that one of their biggest improvements this summer has not come from a new signing at all, but from a player already in the building.