BREAKING: Newcastle Now Confirms Fresh Contract Agreement with Fantastic Forward

Exclusive: Fan-favorite player on the verge of extending contract at St James’ Park following positive developments in negotiations

Newcastle United is nearing the completion of a new deal for Brazilian star Joelinton after a string of productive discussions with the player and his representatives.

The imminent announcement of the contract extension will provide a significant boost to manager Eddie Howe and the Newcastle board, who have prioritized resolving these challenging negotiations before the season’s end.

Finding a replacement for Joelinton in midfield would pose a considerable challenge, as Howe has consistently emphasized the importance of retaining him.

While the club had outlined recruitment plans for the upcoming transfer window, finalizing any decisions was contingent on securing the future of one of their key players.

 

Joelinton, integral to Howe’s tactical schemes as a versatile midfielder, has only 15 months left on his current contract and will be put on the transfer market this summer if an extension isn’t agreed upon.

Despite initial concerns earlier in the year, Telegraph Sport has learned that negotiations have progressed positively in recent weeks, indicating Joelinton’s likelihood of staying at Newcastle. However, finer details still need to be ironed out.

 

Several sources have indicated that Joelinton is set to remain at Newcastle, though the specifics of the deal are still being negotiated.

Upon the extension, Joelinton is expected to become one of the highest-paid players at the club, joining fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes, and is anticipated to commit to Newcastle for the next four years.

Chief scout Steve Nickson, who played a crucial role in Joelinton’s £40 million transfer from Hoffenheim in 2019, has been primarily responsible for leading the negotiations.

Newcastle still hasn’t filled the position of sporting director after Dan Ashworth’s departure in February, necessitating others to assume unfamiliar responsibilities.

Given Nickson’s positive rapport with the player and his representatives, he was the natural choice to negotiate terms, although chief executive Darren Eales and co-owner Amanda Staveley have also been heavily involved.

As previously reported by Telegraph Sport, Joelinton, who is recovering well from a groin injury and is expected to return to play in early May, has expressed his desire to continue at Newcastle, provided the terms of the contract are satisfactory.

This alignment of interests has facilitated the progress of negotiations, and barring any unforeseen issues, the new contract is expected to be signed later this month.

Why Joelinton’s new contract is a huge boost for Newcastle

Few player transformations in the Premier League era rival that of Joelinton Cassio Apolinario de Lira. Once criticized as a striker incapable of scoring goals, he was even labeled one of the worst signings by a top-flight club. However, under Howe’s management, he has become indispensable, with Howe himself urging the Newcastle board to secure a new contract earlier this year.

These negotiations are nearing a successful resolution, positioning Joelinton among Newcastle’s highest-paid players on a new four or five-year deal. This impending agreement is cause for celebration on Tyneside, as Joelinton is now rightfully considered one of the club’s key figures, whose departure would leave a significant void in their midfield.

Telegraph Sport delves into the reasons behind Joelinton’s newfound importance and explores how he transcended from being ridiculed to revered, transforming into a club legend.

A reinvention by mistake

Joelinton’s journey at Newcastle began with an unconventional start. While Rafael Benitez, the then-manager, was not keen on signing him despite recommendations from owner Mike Ashley and chief executive Lee Charnley, chief scout Steve Nickson believed in his potential in the Premier League.

After Benitez’s departure in 2019, Newcastle went ahead with the signing just before Steve Bruce took over as manager.

Interestingly, before Bruce’s appointment, Newcastle had informal discussions with Mikel Arteta as a potential replacement for Benitez. However, Arteta deemed it unsuitable and later became the manager of Arsenal. Sources suggest that Arteta approved of Joelinton’s signing during these discussions.

Despite the approval, Joelinton struggled to fulfill the expectations associated with the club’s iconic number 9 jersey, facing criticism from fans for his lack of goals. Despite this, Bruce admired his determination and personality, and this sentiment was echoed when Eddie Howe took over in November 2021.

Joelinton’s transformation into a dynamic midfielder was a fortuitous discovery for Eddie Howe. While impressed by Joelinton’s technical skills and physicality during training sessions, Howe initially had no inkling of his potential in a deeper role.

The revelation came when, down to ten men against Norwich City due to Ciaran Clark’s red card, Howe deployed Joelinton in midfield out of necessity. To everyone’s surprise, Joelinton excelled in the role, helping Newcastle secure a crucial point in a relegation battle. Since then, he has thrived in midfield, becoming a pivotal figure for the team.

Last season, Joelinton played a significant role in Newcastle’s unexpected qualification for the Champions League, contributing both defensively and offensively. This season, he continued to impress until a groin injury sidelined him in January. However, he is expected to return to action by the end of this month.

What does the new contract say about Newcastle United’s ambition?

Despite potential future unpopular decisions regarding player sales to comply with Premier League regulations, the idea of parting ways with Joelinton was particularly hard to bear for Newcastle. He has attained a cult hero status on Tyneside and is cherished by fans, teammates, and coaching staff alike.

Moreover, Joelinton is indispensable to Eddie Howe’s tactical vision. Not only does he possess physical dominance, but he also serves as Newcastle’s midfield enforcer, adept at maintaining possession in tight spaces and initiating forward movement. His relentless work rate and ability to drive the team forward have been invaluable.

At times, Joelinton has showcased the qualities of a top-tier box-to-box midfielder in the Premier League. His absence due to injury has been keenly felt, elevating the performances of players like Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock when he’s on the pitch.

Furthermore, Joelinton’s versatility adds to his significance, as he can slot into various positions, primarily on the left flank in attack but also centrally if required. Replacing him would have been a costly endeavor, potentially diverting funds from other areas of squad reinforcement.

To retain their top talents like Joelinton, Newcastle must not only offer competitive wages but also demonstrate their ambition to match the players’ aspirations. Despite initial concerns that Joelinton might seek to run down his contract, Newcastle appears to have successfully persuaded him otherwise. This not only secures one of Howe’s key assets but also sends a positive message to other star players.

Joelinton’s decision to extend his contract also enhances the likelihood of retaining his compatriot Bruno Guimaraes, further reinforcing Newcastle’s appeal to potential recruits and existing players alike.

Ultimately, while Newcastle may need to make sales in the future, the ability to retain their best players willingly augurs well for the club’s future prospects.