Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has spoken about the club’s plans to sign Joelinton in 2019.
Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce said that he could not have predicted Joelinton’s amazing midfield development.
Joelinton joined Newcastle as the club’s record signing from Hoffenheim in 2019 at £40 million. The Brazilian was awarded the historic No. 9 shirt but failed to meet expectations, scoring only two goals in his maiden Premier League season.
Joelinton struggled at Newcastle throughout Bruce’s tenure as manager. It wasn’t until Eddie Howe arrived and Ciaran Clark was sent off that Joelinton began to live up to his high price.
Joelinton has rarely looked back since moving to midfield after Clark was sent off against Norwich City in November 2021. The 27-year-old is currently a Brazil international and one of Newcastle’s main players, having helped the team avoid relegation and finish fourth in the Premier League.
Joelinton is now out injured till May, and his muscular presence is greatly needed in United’s midfield.
And when asked about Joelinton’s signing on talkSPORT, former Newcastle manager Bruce said: “I have to be absolutely honest about Joelinton.
“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.
“The only thing I can say is that he was coming in as Newcastle’s number nine. To be really honest, I never regarded him as a central midfielder, but for Hoffenheim, he was always on the left. He was never a standout centre-forward.
“Consequently, a move of his position and he’s done very very well.”
Joelinton’s future at Newcastle is uncertain as his current deal, signed when he originally joined the club, expires next summer. United are in discussions to extend the Brazilian’s contract at St James’ Park, with the hope that an agreement would be achieved.
However, if Joelinton has not pledged his future to Newcastle by the time the summer transfer market begins on June 14, the club may consider selling him in order to avoid losing out on a free transfer in 2025.
