Newcastle United are trying to secure the long-term future of one of their key players.
Bruno Guimaraes is perhaps the biggest name Newcastle player to have been linked with a move away from St James’ Park of late but he is not the only one.
Indeed, Brazil teammate Joelinton has been touted for an exit too.
There were even fears the 27-year-old may never play for the club again after groin surgery in January amid a contract dispute. Currently, his deal is set to expire in the summer of 2025, meaning he would likely be sold in the upcoming transfer window if he were to fail to agree a new deal.
Luckily, the news around the midfielder has been more positive of late. The exit of Dan Ashworth was though to have led to Amanda Staveley leading negotiations with Joelinton’s representatives and a pay rise was believed to be on the way.
It was then said the player could also return before the end of the season in another major boost.
Craig Hope, however, has now shared something of a more sobering update.
Joelinton contract: Newcastle latest news
Speaking on a video posted to his YouTube account, Hope said: “As far as I’m aware, there’s no update, no real progress per se.”
Before adding later in the video: “It remains the case that Joelinton has got an expectation of a salary [and] Newcastle are some way below that.”
Joelinton: Newcastle have to keep star
Though PIF have proven they will not be messed around in negotiations after pulling out of deals to sign Jesse Lingard and Hugo Ekitike when they became too expensive, the haggling over Joelinton seems unnecessary.
Yes, he will soon be approaching 30 but he has shown little sign of slowing down. So valued by Eddie Howe, watching him continue the journey he’s been on in the last few years elsewhere would be truly gutting.
Joelinton has been a leading force for Newcastle during their resurgence. As such, he is surely worthy of a significant reward.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
