Eddie Howe thinks 27-year-old is one of Newcastle’s most important players, he wants to keep him

Add as preferred source on Google

Eddie Howe is hoping to keep one of his key Newcastle United players who he considers to be one of the most influential in the team.

Rumours have been flying around that Newcastle will have to sell a star player if they want to bring in some new faces, but Howe doesn’t seem to want to let go of any of his key men.

A new report from The Athletic states that Howe is very keen to keep hold of Joelinton who now looks to be out injured for the rest of the season and is clearly a strong character in the dressing room.

Howe wants Joelinton to stay at Newcastle indefinitely

The Brazilian has been playing the best football of his entire career under Howe, so it would make little sense for him to seek a move elsewhere in the first place.

But Howe himself is also very keen to keep the midfielder on Tyneside so long as he is the manager at St James’ Park as he believes Joelinton to have a lot of influence on the rest of the squad.

Joelinton has also become a fan favourite at Newcastle where is incredible transformation is widely regarded as one of the greatest comeback stories in Premier League history.

The 27-year-old is now absolutely key to the way Newcastle play and the news of his long-term injury was absolutely devastating for supporters on social media who are tired of losing so many to injuries this season.

Joelinton still has a lot more to give Newcastle

Should he one day be on his way out of the club, Joelinton would struggle to find another team where has the same connection with the manager and the supporters who practically worship him.

The Brazilian international is only just entering the peak years of his footballing career, however, and despite having just 18 months on his current deal, he can be a key figure in Newcastle’s midfield for years to come.

If new faces were to arrive on Tyneside in the summer and beyond, Joelinton’s versatility makes him a very useful player to have even if it is in a backup role off the bench.

The 27-year-old would also be great to keep around in the dressing room as someone who understands what it was like to be at the club when it looked like they were destined for relegation.