Newcastle United’s recent victory over Fulham brought relief and optimism, as the team continued to climb the Premier League table and build momentum following their impressive Champions League win against Benfica.
It was a reminder of the club’s attacking quality and the determination that runs deep within Eddie Howe’s evolving squad. Yet, as Newcastle continue to progress, the winds of change are beginning to blow, and for some of the club’s established names, the future might be uncertain.
One player who has long embodied Newcastle’s fighting spirit is Joelinton. Once written off as a failed record signing, the Brazilian turned his career around in remarkable fashion, transitioning from a struggling forward into one of the most dominant midfielders in the league.
His power, intensity, and ability to break through defensive lines earned him immense respect among supporters and pundits alike. However, this season has brought a different challenge.
Joelinton, now 29, appears to be struggling for rhythm and consistency. With Lewis Miley’s growing confidence and Sandro Tonali’s technical excellence, the competition for midfield spots has intensified.
Joelinton has featured in 11 matches across all competitions so far this season, scoring twice both goals coming in the Carabao Cup against Bradford City.
While his physicality and presence remain valuable, he hasn’t displayed the same spark or influence that made him such a vital part of Eddie Howe’s midfield.
According to some analysts, including Newcastle blogger Thomas Hammond, Joelinton might be entering “the start of the end” of his time as an undisputed starter. The depth and versatility within Howe’s squad mean that even established players are no longer guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
However, Joelinton is not the only Newcastle player facing an uncertain future. Another long-serving star, Fabian Schar, may also be nearing the end of his journey on Tyneside.
Schar’s story is one of resilience and redemption. Signed from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for a modest fee, he was once criticized as a “walking mistake,” but he has since become a mainstay in the Magpies’ backline.
Through hard work and determination, he earned Eddie Howe’s trust and played a crucial role in Newcastle’s transformation into a European-level side.
Schar has made 237 appearances for the club, contributing 21 goals and ten assists a remarkable tally for a defender. He has also been one of Howe’s most frequently used players since the English manager’s appointment.
Yet, with new signings like Malick Thiaw arriving and performing at a high level, competition in defence has reached new heights.
Thiaw, in particular, has impressed with his calmness on the ball and tactical intelligence, qualities that have quickly endeared him to the St. James’ Park faithful.
Below is a table showing the players most frequently used by Howe since his appointment:
| Rank | Player | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Guimaraes | 164 |
| 2 | Fabian Schar | 160 |
| 3 | Dan Burn | 159 |
| 4 | Jacob Murphy | 145 |
| 5 | Joelinton | 139 |
Despite his experience, Schar has found himself benched for three of Newcastle’s last four fixtures, signaling that his guaranteed starting role might be fading.
While his defensive partnership with Dan Burn has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s success, the emergence of younger, faster defenders could push the Swiss international further down the pecking order.
Schar, who turns 34 soon, remains highly respected within the club. He’s often described as a “true legend” for his service, consistency, and leadership. Still, as Newcastle look toward the future, Howe may prioritize youth and long-term planning over sentiment.
The following table highlights where Newcastle stand among Premier League teams with the oldest average starting elevens:
| Club | Players Used | Average Age |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | 19 | 28.0 |
| Aston Villa | 23 | 27.9 |
| Newcastle | 21 | 27.5 |
| Fulham | 22 | 27.5 |
| Burnley | 22 | 27.0 |
The data shows that Newcastle’s squad is among the more experienced in the league, which may prompt Howe and the club’s hierarchy to start rejuvenating key areas.
While experience has its value, fresh legs and youthful energy are essential for sustaining long-term success in both domestic and European competitions.
For Joelinton and Schar, the future may hold uncertainty, but their contributions to Newcastle’s rise cannot be understated. Both players have given everything to the club, helping to rebuild its reputation and restore pride to the black-and-white shirt.
If this season does signal the beginning of their farewell chapters, they will undoubtedly depart with immense respect, their names etched in modern Newcastle folklore as part of the team that reignited hope at St. James’ Park.
