Newcastle United have got most things right in recent years, as the club gears itself up for an incredibly bright future.
Getting Eddie Howe in as manager has proven to be a brilliant decision, even if he was not the owners’ first choice. That was actually Unai Emery, who is on course to guide Aston Villa into the Champions League.
That is exactly what Eddie Howe did with Newcastle last season, having assembled a squad that combines grit and determination with genuine world class talent. The acquisitions of Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been crucial, and they have all proven to be stars in black and white.
Elsewhere, the decision to remain at St James’ Park and expand it rather than move to a completely new stadium is the correct call. The owners would have received a lot of backlash had they decided to effectively move house.
Newcastle United have made some big contract calls
There have also been some great contract decisions, with Bruno Guimaraes agreeing a deal that includes a release clause that is only valid for a month. That protects the Magpies, and leaves them in a strong position heading into this summer.
The club are also looking to hand Alexander Isak a new deal, after just agreeing a bumper new contract with another one of Newcastle United’s key players.
Joelinton is staying put, amid fears that the club would have to sell him this summer. Instead, he has signed a new deal at St James’ Park. The 27-year-old has been given the pay rise he was after, with Joelinton now reportedly earning more than £100,000-a-week.
Journalist delivers his verdict on new Joelinton contract
Toon fans are delighted that he is staying, but TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey is less enthusiastic about the deal. He has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about Joelinton’s new contract, and believes the terms that Newcastle have agreed to are ‘crazy’.
“I think that contract Newcastle have given Joelinton is crazy,” he said.
“To put him on that level [of money] – Newcastle have not done many questionable deals as of late, but the Lewis Hall and now this Joelinton one… I think they are a bit wide of the mark.”
Joelinton is invaluable to Newcastle United
While Bailey might believe that the terms that Joelinton has been given are ‘crazy’, it sums up how priceless he is to Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old is a completely unique player, and someone who would have been almost impossible to replace. He is a box-to-box midfielder who is both athletic and powerful, while he can also get goals and assists from out wide. In fact, we were meant to see more of Joelinton on the wing this season, had it not been for the Magpies’ injury woes.
When you consider how versatile he is and how impactful he is in both positions, it would have been crazy to let Joelinton go. He deserves to be among the highest earners at St James’ Park, and will be eager to justify his pay rise as soon as possible.
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