£40m star spotted at airport — will fly to the USA to meet Newcastle United teammates

Newcastle United star Joelinton is en route to the United States after resolving his visa issue.

The Brazilian missed the 2-1 win at Rangers on Tuesday night in the Allan McGregor Testimonial after being called to London to discuss his visa. As a result, the midfielder did not fly to America from Glasgow with his teammates on Wednesday morning.

Explaining Joelinton’s absence at Ibrox, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe said: “It was a late complication. Joe knew he had to go to London [Tuesday] because there were complications with the visa. We hope he can join us in America but he probably won’t come with us initially but within a couple of days.”

The good news for United is Joelinton’s visa has been resolved with the 26-year-old spotted at Newcastle Airport on Friday morning.

Joelinton will link up with the squad ahead of their Premier League Summer Series opener against Aston Villa in Philadelphia during the early hours of Monday morning (kick-off 12:00am).

Howe’s side also face Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion in Atlanta and New Jersey, respectively, before returning to Tyneside to take part in the inaugural Sela Cup. United take on Fiorentina and Villarreal on consecutive days at St James’ Park on August 5 and August 6.