Exclusive: The very latest on whether Joelinton will sign a new Newcastle United contract

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There is a possibility that Newcastle United fans could never see Joelinton play for the club again.

The 27-year-old is currently out of action due to injury, having undergone surgery on a groin problem that he sustained in the FA Cup win over Sunderland.

Joelinton is expected back in May, but there is a chance that his season could be over. And that brings us to his contract situation.

The Brazil international’s current deal runs until 2025, and he has been in talks over an extension. However, those talks have not been fruitful.

Joelinton has been unable to agree a new deal with Newcastle so far, with the club and player far apart on wages. And if a new deal is not signed then he could be sold in the summer. That would be disastrous, but selling him would make sense. The alterative is losing him for nothing a year later, which would be terrible business.

Hopefully he does extend his stay on Tyneside, but HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he does not think it is likely at this moment in time.

Joelinton ‘far away’ from signing new Newcastle contract

“Newcastle are going to want to bolster that midfield in the summer, especially if Joelinton departs,” he said.

“At the moment they are so far away in terms of a new contract. I don’t see him getting a new one at the moment.”

Newcastle must recognise Joelinton’s importance

A compromise needs to be reached. While Joelinton perhaps should not be Newcastle’s top earner, he should be up there at least.

He is so important to Eddie Howe‘s side. His transformation has been incredible, and now he has established himself as a top level centre midfielder. He sets the tone in the middle of the park, and we are a much worse side without him.

Replacing him would be incredibly difficult. There are not many players who can do what he does. He is dominant in the middle, while he can also be a goal threat from out wide. The former Hoffenheim man is tremendously versatile, which is why he is invaluable to Newcastle.

Toon officials simply must make an offer that appeals to Joelinton, as selling him could end up being a huge mistake – but it is the only alternative if he does not agree to extend his stay.