Joelinton contract 'problem' as Newcastle United make major FFP decision

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits Joelinton’s new contract may have a knock-on effect on this summer’s transfer window - but has outlined exactly why it is a price worth paying.

This week, Joelinton put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, one that places him among the club’s highest earners. The Brazilian was just months away from entering the final year of the contract he signed when arriving from Hoffenheim for a then-club record £40million in 2019.

Howe previously said selling Joelinton was “a possibility” at the end of the season had a new deal not been agreed. And it would have also required Newcastle to find a replacement, something the former Bournemouth manager knows wouldn’t have been easy considering his versality.

“It certainly allows us to plan with him as part of the squad and that is hugely important,” said Howe. “He is versatile, can play in different positions and that takes away a bit of the stress in that respect as it means we don’t have to worry about those positions.

“It’s still going to be a slightly difficult summer to plan for, there are a lot of unknowns in the transfer market in January and I think that will carry on into the summer. We will see how that plays out. We have our plans, we are preparing for that now.”

Joelinton’s improved salary will count towards the club’s Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit. In turn, that could impact United’s summer transfer budget but Howe sees a lot of value in meeting the 26-year-old’s increased demands.

"I say this about a lot of the players we have, they're not easy to find replacements for,” Howe said. “Joe would be one of those. He's 6ft 3in, he plays different positions, he's strong, he's quick, he scores goal, he's competitive, he's got a great attitude.

“Those players aren't around to recruit easily. That's why we've got to treasure the good ones we have and do everything we can to keep them happy, so they want to play for Newcastle continually. Replacing them sounds easy but it's absolutely not. We have to treasure the ones we have."

Howe added: "Of course, something like [handing out new contracts] this will have ramifications. You're potentially lifting wages, and that has an impact on your Financial Fair Play sheet. But the alternative is that Joe leaves on a free transfer, which for a player of his quality, would be really bad business from us.

“I think what has happened has alleviated that problem. But of course it maybe gives you problems elsewhere that you need to fix.”