Steve Bruce, the former manager of Newcastle United, acknowledged that he was unable to predict Joelinton’s remarkable turnaround in the midfield.
Joelinton cost £40 million to sign as Newcastle’s record signing from Hoffenheim in 2019. Despite being handed the renowned No. 9 shirt, the Brazilian did not live up to the hype, scoring just two goals in his Premier League debut.
Joelinton had a difficult time at Newcastle much of the time when Bruce was manager. Only with the arrival of Eddie Howe and a send-off for Ciaran Clark did Joelinton begin to justify his high price.
Joelinton moved into midfield after Clark was sent off against Norwich City in November 2021, and he hasn’t really looked back since. After saving Newcastle from relegation and finishing fourth in the Premier League, the 27-year-old is now a Brazil international and one of the team’s most important players.
Joelinton’s muscular presence in United’s midfield is greatly missed as he is currently sidelined until May due to injury.
Additionally, former Magpies manager Bruce said the following on talkSPORT when questioned about Joelinton’s signing: “I have to be brutally honest about Joelinton.”
“Before I’d signed for Newcastle, Joelinton was already done. Steve Nickson and Lee Charnley had already done the deal. I’d love to put my name to Joe.
“The only thing I would say is he was coming in as Newcastle’s number nine. I’m going to be brutally honest, I never saw him as a central midfielder, but for Hoffenheim he always played on the left. He was never really an iconic centre-forward.
“Consequently, a move of his position and he’s done very very well.”
Joelinton is facing an uncertain future at Newcastle as things stand with his current contract signed when he first joined the club set to expire next summer. United are in talks to extend the Brazilian’s deal at St James’ Park with hope a deal can be reached.
But if Joelinton hasn’t committed his future to Newcastle by the time the summer transfer window opens on June 14, the club may look to sell him in order to avoid losing out on a free transfer in 2025.
