Two weeks back, reports from the Sun came out that Newcastle United were looking to make a move for Hoffenheim’s striker Joelinton. However, the latest report from Calciomercato indicates that the Magpies have been handed a blow as the striker claims that he wants to fulfil his contract with his current side.
The 22-year-old striker was quoted as saying, ”I have a contract and my future will not depend on qualifying for the Champions League or not.”
Along with Newcastle United, Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig were also said to be in the mix to sign this forward.
Joelinton has so far managed 11 goals in all competitions but more than that he has been a brilliant provider as well as he has notched up nine assists to his name. The Brazilian is quick, agile and robust and he could be tough to handle for many of the defenders in the Premier League.
Salomon Rondon is currently doing a similar kind of job at St. James’ Park and he has been scoring and providing goals for fun of late for the Toon. However, the Venezuelan is still just on loan from West Bromwich Albion and it is yet not clear whether Rafael Benitez would be able to sign him permanently over the summer.
Benitez has often felt that he hasn’t been backed in the transfer market by the board and the owners but that consensus is slowly changing as the Magpies broke their transfer record to sign Miguel Almiron in January. If the club hopes to retain a manager of Benitez’s calibre, then they need to provide him with funds over the summer as he tries to make United a regular top half team.
Joelinton though currently seems out of bound as he has a long term contract with the Bundesliga outfit which runs until 2022. So we don’t expect him to come in cheap and now that the striker himself has indicated that he isn’t interested in leaving, Benitez might have to look at other options in the summer.
Rondon should still remain the first choice for the Magpies as he has settled in well at the club and is already producing impressive results. Joelinton could be a more long term option as he is just 22. However, that would mean the club would have to throw some real money in the transfer market to sign this talented forward and after the recent interview, it seems highly unlikely now that he would move clubs in the upcoming summer window.
