Opinion: Notts County already have Macaulay Langstaff heir as League One clubs queue up

Notts County signed Langstaff in the summer of 2022 following his starring stint at Gateshead. He lit up the National League North with the Heed and while he helped them win promotion, a high profile move to Meadow Lane awaited. Image courtesy of: MOLLY DARLINGTON/REUTERS. There, Langstaff quickly emerged as one of the UK’s most eye-catching goalscorers. The 27-year-old managed a stunning 41 goals in 45 National League games as Notts embarked on a historic title battle with Wrexham. It was the Red Dragons who came out on top, though Langstaff and County rose to the EFL as well, via the play-offs. His fantastic goalscoring has persisted this season, notching 29 goals in 48 games across all competitions. Such form has caught the eye once more and with the summer around the corner, League One clubs are keen. Old foes Wrexham, who have been promoted to the third-tier, are interested in offering Langstaff the chance to leave Notts County and jump up from League Two. Peterborough United and Bolton Wanderers are also admirers, it is said. There’s no hiding that losing Langstaff would be a big blow for the Meadow Lane outfit. However, while another striker would likely be recruited, the winter move for Gambian ace Alassana Jatta means Notts County may already have their Langstaff heir. Jatta made for a left-field signing for the Magpies in January, joining from Danish side Viborg FF. His start was disrupted somewhat as international clearance and a UK visa was sorted, so Jatta had to wait patiently for his first inclusion in the starting XI. It was well worth the wait though, with a goal and an assist in 56 minutes against Accrington Stanley. After three appearances off the bench to start his Notts County career, Jatta would managed five goals and two assists in seven games. Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS. However, his form when in the lineup has shown just why the club paid the money to bring him in this winter. And, should the club lose Langstaff, his early contributions have shown he can take the mantle as leading talisman. Perhaps Jatta was signed with a potential future exit for Langstaff in mind, so maybe this was the plan all long. That said, if there was any doubt, his efforts have shown he can assume that role. It should be reassurance for the Notts County faithful as if they do lose their star man, Jatta will be ready and waiting to fill his boots and become a star at Meadow Lane.