Newcastle United £40m transfer bombshell - 'possibility' player could move after talks

Newcastle United are yet to agree a new contract with Joelinton, who has 18 months left on his current deal.
Jordan Cronin
By Jordan Cronin
Published 27th Jan 2024, 07:45 BST

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Joelinton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Joelinton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Joelinton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits there "is a possibility" Joelinton could sold this summer amid uncertainty regarding his contract.

The Brazilian is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing thigh surgery earlier this week. By the time the midfielder returns to fitness, he'll have just 12 months left to run on the contract he penned when signed from Hoffenheim for a then club-record £40million in 2019.

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Talks have taken place over a new deal but the two parties remain some way apart from an agreement. If that remains the case during the summer months then Howe admits the football club has a decision to make. Newcastle are under pressure to ensure they comply with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which has already led to speculation surrounding Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson.

Joelinton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Joelinton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Joelinton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

"He has 18 months left on his contract," said Howe. "As his manager, I’m determined for him to stay. I love him as a person and a player, so that would be my wish, for him to sign a long-term contract. But of course there’s more to it than that.

"There’s Joe’s wishes and what he wants. Before he signs a contract he has to be entirely happy with everything. We’re not at that stage yet.

When asked if Joelinton could have played his last game for the club, Howe replied: “I’m not a fortune teller and I certainly hope that is not the case. There is a possibility that could be the case but I don’t know. 18 months (left on a contract) is a vulnerable time for a club.

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"The club will need to tie Joe down to a longer-term contract or there is a possibility he will be sold in the summer. That is just the reality of the situation."

The 27-year-old is keen to be rewarded for his incredible transformation under Howe having gone from being labelled as a flop during his opening two-and-a-half-years to an indispensable player.

Joelinton has scored 25 times and provided 15 assists during 180 appearances for Newcastle. Last year, Joelinton made his Brazil debut.

Related topics:Eddie HoweJoelintonPremier LeagueKieran TrippierCallum Wilson

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