It’s been a tough couple of years for Joelinton at Newcastle United.
The 24-year-old has left rather a lot to be desired, following a £40 million move to the club from Hoffenheim two years ago (BBC Sport).
The Brazilian became the club’s record-signing, and that status hasn’t really served him well.
While he’s thrown in the odd good performance, the general consensus has been that Joelinton should be offering much more for the money that was paid.
Upon signing, Joelinton was handed the club’s iconic number 9 shirt.
Taking that shirt automatically means a big sense of reponsibility and arguably, Joelinton struggled with the weight of expectation.
Now though, Joelinton has relinquished the number to Callum Wilson and taken the number 7.
While the number 7 has also been worn by some top players, it doesn’t have the same ‘burden’ as the number 9.
Perhaps this small change could now prompt a big improvement in the South American.
Joelinton free from the shackles?
Maybe, just maybe, this could be the catalyst for change with Joelinton.
Subconsciously he might be thinking it’s a fresh start for him.
Obviously there is still the fact he transferred for a record fee, but many people accept that that wasn’t on him.
Fans will certainly hope it can help him to come good.
It hasn’t been easy for him and he has come in for a lot of stick.
Hopefully there is a feeling of being free from the shackles, and he can perform with a new-found confidence.
Quite possibly, Newcastle sorting this, and £70,000-a-week star Wilson (The Athletic) taking the number 9 off Joelinton’s hands, will be an inspired decision.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
