14: Joelinton becomes the most expensive player in Newcastle history

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On July 23rd 2019, Newcastle United broke their transfer record by signing Brazilian striker Joelinton for £40 million.

The youngster swapped the Bundesliga for the Premier League, having scored seven goals the season prior for Hoffenheim. As a Brazilian playing for Hoffenheim, the comparisons to Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino were obvious.

He was handed the number nine shirt, left vacant after Salomon Rondon’s loan deal came to an end. Most fans wanted Rondon to return to St James’ Park, but instead they splashed the cash on an unproven forward who could be sold on for even more money if he excelled in black and white.

So far though, he’s yet to excel. Joelinton found the net a couple of times in pre-season, but is yet to really make his mark in the Premier League. He’s got one goal so far, a brilliant finish that gave Newcastle a vital win away to Spurs in the sweltering sun.

The goal looked like the making of Joelinton, who had squandered good chances in the games prior against Norwich and Arsenal. But alas, he’s struggled.

As things stand, it looks like Hoffenheim have robbed us blind. Joelinton has barely looked like a £4 million striker, let alone £40 million.

There’s still time for him to put things right – he’s only 23. However, it’s been far from a positive start for Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

July 23rd was a huge day in the history of Newcastle United, but so far it’s going to be remembered for the wrong reasons.

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