Newcastle United are set to smash their transfer record for the second time in six months as Brazilian striker Joelinton nears a move from Hoffenheim. The move has been met with a general indifference among the Geordie nation as they reel from the announcement of Steve Bruce’s appointment as head coach.
Who is Joelinton?
As mentioned before, he is a Brazilian striker who currently plays his football for German side Hoffenheim. He stands at 186cm tall (6ft 1in), he’s currently 22-years-old and is touted as a big star for the future. He spent last season playing with parent club Hoffenheim having spent the season before on loan to Rapid Vienna.
Last term, he managed 35 games, 11 goals and 9 assists in all competition. Playing under the impressive Julian Nagelsmann in the Bundesliga, the Brazilian proved his versatility as he would often play either just in behind the likes of Andrej Kramaric or even off the right wing on occasion.
Although Joelinton is less of an out-and-out target man, the similarities to last season’s player of the season Salomon Rondon are there. He has a similar physical build, can be as dangerous in the air and also has a blistering turn of pace when he decides to turn on the afterburners. Perhaps unlike Rondon, he is surprisingly good on the ball considering his build – he also loves to drop deep, pick up the ball and drive into the space in front of him.
What does it mean for Newcastle?
It looks as though the deal will cost upwards of £36million – that would absolutely obliterate the current NUFC transfer record – the £21million paid for Miguel Almiron in January.
In terms of the squad, it’s a hole that needed filling very quickly. Having sold Ayoze Perez and sent Rondon back to West Brom following his loan move, Newcastle lost the source of 23 of their 42 Premier League goals last season. At the club currently, only Dwight Gayle (spent last season on loan at West Brom) and Elias Sorenson (only made his debut today) can be considered out and out strikers. I would say Joelinton can’t be the only striker coming into NUFC, they need options.
Stories in the media today told us Charlie Austin has been sent to train with the under 23’s at Southampton as they look to ship him out. For just £8million, he must be worth a punt for the Magpies as they look to gain some quality in depth.
Verdict
Joelinton is not the striker who’s going to come in and bag 20 goals per season, but he will do a job. The £36million price tag may seem steep, but for a player of his quality, with his potential and versatility, that’s very much the going rate these days.
I don’t see Joelinton coming into NUFC and blowing everybody’s socks off, but I do believe he will become a firm fan favourite in no time. His high octane work rate, physical presence and goalscoring ability will no doubt win him plenty of admirers on Tyneside very quickly.
I firmly believe that had this signing happened a month ago, the Geordie nation would be very, very happy right now. As it is, it’s happening in what seems like very bleak times on Tyneside, thus the fans are just simply not bothered by this move. Hopefully the fans will give him a chance – he does deserve it and in my opinion, he will take it.