Newcastle United are currently in doldrums with Rafael Benitez departing and no transfer signings on the horizon as of yet. However, the last part could be about to change as according to the latest reports from the Chronicle, Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Hoffenheim striker Joelinton.
The Magpies have been linked with the forward for quite some time now. And given the way things have gone, one would have assumed that the club might miss out on this prized signing. Reports suggest that the fee could be around the £36m mark which will break Newcastle’s all-time transfer record.
Hoffenheim boss Alfred Schreuder recently indicated that the striker could be on the move. He was quoted as saying, ”Of course it is a pity that he leaves. It’s not my decision; that’s what the club does.”
Why Newcastle United need a striker?
Salomon Rondon was the club’s talismanic man last season, but he was only at the St. James’ Park on loan. There were a lot of talks about Newcastle wanting a permanent move for him, but that discussion is now moot as the Venezuelan has reunited with Benitez in China. Ayoze Perez, who formed an impressive partnership with Rondon upfront, has also gone on to leave the club.
Apart from that, the Toon have Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto at their disposal. However, both are yet to be proven at the Premier League level. Therefore it is no surprise to see the club going after a striker in the summer.
What will Joelinton bring at St. James’ Park?
First of all, a signing like this will bring positivity around the Tyneside, which is much needed at the moment. The club fans have known their displeasure known about the appointment of Steve Bruce. The new ownership takeover has also gone off the boil after it brought a sense of hope among the club faithful that they might be finally freed from the clutches of Mike Ashley.
Performance-wise, Joelinton will be an ideal fit at Newcastle United. The 22-year-old has impressive strength and pace, and he can trouble quite a few defenders in the Premier League with that deadly combination. The Brazilian is also known as a hard worker off the ball, and he will chase down every lost cause for his side. The striker managed 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions last season for Hoffenheim, and that shows that Joelinton can link up play well due to his impressive hold-up play.
All in all, he will be a welcome addition to Bruce’s side as he is a good mix of someone who can play as a targetman as well as make runs from the shoulder of the defenders.
