Former Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff joins new club after eight months as a free agent

Former Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff has finally joined a new club eight months after being released.

Longstaff, whose brother Sean is still at the club, was released by the Magpies in the summer after his contract expired.

Now he is finally back in football after being announced as a new signing for MLS club Toronto FC.

The 23-year-old only played 20 games Newcastle, scoring three goals. However, one of those goals was the winning goal against Manchester United in his debut in 2019.

He then spent time on loan at Aberdeen, Mansfield Town and Colchester United.

The midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while at Colchester in December 2022.

Newcastle posted about his new career move and revealed that they had been supporting his rehabilitation.

He has signed a two-year contract with Toronto, which has the option to extend it until 2026.

“I am delighted to welcome Matty to our team,” said Toronto FC head coach John Herdman.

“His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical plan.”

Toronto, which finished 15th in the MLS Eastern Conference last season, drew its season opener 0-0 against FC Cincinnati on Monday.