Newcastle United will need Joelinton at his best against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
However, former Toon and Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann wants to see the Brazilian playing for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Reds are in need of another centre-midfielder, having struggled with injuries in the opening weeks of the new season. And Hamann believes someone like Joelinton is exactly what is needed at Anfield.
Hamann on Joelinton
The former Germany international has spoke to GGRecon, and discussed why the Brazilian is exactly the type of player that Liverpool are missing.
“I watched Newcastle United versus Manchester City last week and looking at that I think they [Liverpool] need a midfielder with presence,” he said.
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“You look at Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Thiago, they’re all similar, tidy players, I think they could do with someone like Joelinton from Newcastle.
“I think he’s someone who’s technically gifted, who’s a big lad, and has a great strike on him. I think that’s the type of player they miss. Whether you can get him now with a few days of the transfer window left to go, I’m not too sure.”
No way Joelinton is going to Liverpool
While Hamann might think Liverpool need someone like Joelinton, there’s no way a transfer is on the cards before Thursday’s deadline.
Firstly, he will cost too much money. Newcastle would want more than the £40million they paid for him in 2019. Given the way Liverpool operate in the transfer market, that isn’t going to happen.
Even then, the 26-year-old is simply too important to Eddie Howe. But it is a testament to his ability that Hamann thinks he would be good for Liverpool.
Go back a year and Joelinton wasn’t even a midfielder. He was still a failing forward who looked nothing close to the £40million price tag.
But Eddie Howe has transformed him, and he is now a vital player at St James’ Park. He was the club’s player of the season last year, and has started the new campaign brightly.
To see him being touted as a possible Liverpool signing is incredible, especially with how good they’ve been in recent years. Hamann must think very highly of Joelinton if he thinks someone like him is the missing ingredient for Klopp.
But Joelinton will be playing against Liverpool on Wednesday rather than for them, and will have a vital role if we’re to get a result against the FA Cup holders.