Brazilian midfielder Joelinton’s contract with Newcastle United expires in 2025, and manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged that the player may depart the team this summer.
Due to a thigh injury, the Brazil international is now out of action and won’t be ready to play again until May. He could have already played his final game for Newcastle.
Joelinton’s pay demands are apparently too high for Newcastle to accept, according to a recent Daily Mail article, which suggests that the two sides are no closer to coming to an agreement on a new contract.
Joelinton may depart St. James’ Park during the summer transfer, according to Howe, who has now confirmed this.
Howe told the reporters before Newcastle’s FA Cup fourth-round matchup with Fulham:
“I’m not a fortune teller but it’s a possibility [that Joelinton leaves this summer].”
“I hope that’s not the case. I want him to stay. I love him as a person and player.
“But before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything…. and we are not there yet.”
“He has 18 months left on his contract so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer.”
Joelinton’s availability would have alerted many prominent European teams by Howe’s remarks, as the Brazilian’s play since switching to centre midfield is expected to draw interest from a number of teams.
Data analytics experts SciSports believe that the Newcastle midfielder is perfectly suited to join AS Roma, with Bayern Munich in second place and Man United in third.
With the Red Devils likely to lose a number of players in the next few windows as they aim to clear the deadwood in the squad, Joelinton might be worth a shot. His strength, athleticism and power can help Erik ten Hag’s team.