Former Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has refused to accept credit for signing Joelinton.
Steve Bruce became Newcastle’s manager in 2019, succeeding Rafa Benitez after a difficult era on Tyneside. Shortly after his arrival, the team shattered their transfer record by signing Joelinton for £40 million.
He joined from Hoffenheim and was given the number nine shirt, which had previously belonged to Salomon Rondon on loan. But suddenly Joelinton was the Magpies’ main man up forward, and he was expected to score the goals required to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.
The Magpies did survive, but it had nothing to do with Joelinton’s goalscoring abilities. The Brazilian striker was really poor and appeared to be a complete disaster of a signing.
That is no longer the case, as the 27-year-old is one of Eddie Howe’s most essential players. Joelinton has changed his position from striker to centre midfielder. It has altered his Toon career, and Bruce admits that he has done really well since landing this new post.
Steve Bruce shares ‘honest’ truth about Newcastle signing Joelinton
On Tuesday morning, Bruce spoke on TalkSPORT and was asked about signing Joelinton during his time as Newcastle manager.
“I have to be brutally honest about Joelinton,” he went on to say.
“Before I signed for Newcastle, Joelinton was already finished. Steve Nickson and Lee Charnley had already completed the deal. I’d love to give Joe my name.
On Tuesday morning, Bruce spoke on TalkSPORT and was asked about signing Joelinton during his time as Newcastle manager.
“I have to be brutally honest about Joelinton,” he went on to say.
“Before I signed for Newcastle, Joelinton was already finished. Steve Nickson and Lee Charnley had already completed the deal. I’d love to give Joe my name.
&w=707&quality=100)
Joelinton is now one of Newcastle’s most important players
Like most others, Bruce recognized right away that Joelinton was not a striker. However, Bruce stuck with him through the middle of that first season. He scored two Premier League goals in his debut season on Tyneside, which was somewhat embarrassing for a Newcastle number nine.
