Hoffenheim striker Joelinton is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Newcastle, according to German newspaper Bild, with the player withdrawn from the Bundesliga side’s squad at the last minute.
Even German sports website Kicker have back-tracked on their story published on Tuesday that said a move was not close.
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
They claim everything has happened at speed since then, saying the move has gathered speed today, following the announcement of Steve Bruce as Newcastle head coach.
Both publications claim the deal will be in the region of €40 million (£36m), and will obliterate the record fee Newcastle paid for Miguel Almiron in January.
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
It will take a few more signings on top of the Brazilian to give belief to disillusioned Newcastle fans that anything other than relegation looms this season, but it is – if belatedly – a start.
Having lost both Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon since the end of last season, the striking options were virtually non-existent, and the performance of Yoshinori Muto in the 0-4 defeat against Wolves today highlighted the need for reinforcements.
A similar player to Rondon, Toon fans will hope he performs like him
Joelinton’s style of player is similar to that of Rondon, and fans will hope that his displays emulate those of his predecessor during the Venezuelan’s loan spell on Tyneside.
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
After an abject summer, the potential signing of the 22-year-old striker could be the first piece of good news for fans, who will be hoping more big names will follow.
But this is Newcastle United and Lee Charnley we are talking about, and until he is pictured in the tunnel wearing the shirt with a scarf above his head, fans will be sceptical of the managing director’s ability to get the deal done.