Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Newcastle United midfield revelation Joelinton.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Joelinton could be heading to the Middle East in the upcoming transfer window as Saudi Pro League clubs have revived their interest in the Brazilian international. While Eddie Howe is reluctant to lose him, Saudi giants are already making a move to secure his services.
Joelinton joined the Magpies back in 2019 in a deal worth £40 million. The Tyneside club forked out a then club-record fee to add the forward to their ranks. While he didn’t have much success in the final third, Howe’s decision to convert him into a midfielder has worked wonders.
He has been one of their standout performers in recent seasons, and it has resulted in serious interest from the Middle East. While his contract runs until the summer of 2028, Saudi Arabian clubs did enquire about him last summer.
Joelinton could move to the Middle East
Saudi Pro League clubs failed to strike a deal back then as Newcastle United did not see it as viable, but they retain interest in Joelinton and are set to return for his signature in January. They have once again made enquiries, and the fact that the Tyneside club are PIF-owned certainly helps their cause.
While the 29-year-old has not been at his best this season, Howe is still reluctant to lose him as he doesn’t want to weaken his squad mid-season. However, the English tactician could still green-light the move if the Magpies promise him a couple of new faces in January.
Since Joelinton’s value is only going to go down once he hits 30, Newcastle United see this as a great opportunity to raise a significant fee from his departure. Having already added Jacob Ramsey to their squad in the summer, they are already well stocked in midfield and could consider letting the Brazilian international leave.
With the player not at his best this season, cashing in on him and reinvesting the funds raised to further bolster their squad will certainly make a lot of sense. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see which Saudi club comes forward to try and sign the 29-year-old.
