Newcastle’s summer overhaul has been ongoing since the start of July and will continue under new manager Matthias Jaissle.
Uncertainty surrounding several senior players has been the story of the summer, and now attention has shifted to Joelinton and his long-term future at Newcastle United, which remains uncertain, to say the least.
The Guardian journalist Louise Taylor’s report at the end of July added further weight to prior reports linking the Brazilian midfielder with a move to Saudi Arabia.
While
Taylor’s report primarily focused on Eddie Howe’s departure and Bruno Guimaraes’ transfer to Arsenal, it also revealed Newcastle could be willing to sanction Joelinton’s exit before the transfer window closes.
“Newcastle are said to be determined to retain one of their best young players (Lewis Hall) but could be more receptive to any bid from Saudi Arabia for Joelinton,” Taylor reported. “Guimarães’s fellow Brazilian is believed to be keen on a move to the Middle East.”
The update doubles down on the information shared by The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope a few days earlier, when he revealed Joelinton had informed Newcastle shortly after last season ended that he wanted to move to Saudi Arabia.
“We can also reveal that (Bruno’s) compatriot Joelinton told Newcastle of his wish to move to Saudi Arabia in the weeks after the season closed,” Hope reported. “That offer is yet to materialise.”
Hope’s report explained that Joelinton’s request came during an increasingly turbulent period at St. James’ Park, with Anthony Gordon already sold and Sandro Tonali on his way to Tottenham Hotspur. It also shed light on prior reports claiming Newcastle had offered the midfielder to Saudi Pro League clubs.
So far, no formal Saudi offer has been reported, but The Guardian’s latest update suggests the possibility remains alive and there is more to the situation than just a random whisper thrown into the wind.
If Joelinton does leave for Saudi Arabia before the window closes, how big a loss would he be for Newcastle, and who should the club target to replace him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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