Newcastle are readying a club record bid of around £36 million for striker and long-term target, Joelinton, if a report from the Mail Online is to be believed.
Newcastle have been linked with the Brazilian striker since the January transfer window, but a move never became reality, and Miguel Almiron was signed instead.
With news of Steve Bruce’s alleged resignation and imminent appointment at Newcastle, leaving Toon fans underwhelmed to say the least, signing a big-name striker could provide them with a bit of a fillip.
Since Salomon Rondon’s loan deal ended, the subsequent sale of Ayoze Perez and the impending departure of Joselu, Newcastle are left with just Dwight Gayle as a senior centre-forward at the club.
Joelinton would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle, and his strength at holding the ball up means he can emulate what Rondon did on Tyneside last season.
If Joelinton signs for Newcastle it must be followed by more
We will still need to sign a second striker to replace Perez, and to act as a foil for the Brazilian – should he sign – but it will be a start to the desperately-needed squad rebuilding.
At just 22, the Hoffenheim striker would fall into Mike Ashley’s precious ‘high sell-on value’ category, which instantly makes him an attractive signing for the high street mogul, even at such a high price.
Joelinton scored 11 goals and had nine assists from 35 appearances across all competitions for Hoffenheim last season, having already scored eight from 31 while on loan at Austrian side, Rapid Vienna, the previous year.
Newcastle fans need something positive to happen, among all the negativity surrounding the club at the present times, and a move for the exciting Brazilian forward could be the first good news of the summer.
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