Newcastle United’s struggles this season have been plain to see, especially away from St. James’ Park, where Eddie Howe’s men seem to lose their rhythm and belief.
The team’s poor run of form on the road has raised serious concerns about consistency, as all their victories have come at home, while four straight away defeats have left supporters questioning the direction of the campaign.
For all the progress made under Howe, it’s becoming increasingly clear that some difficult decisions must be made and one of them might involve parting ways with a player once considered a cornerstone of this new era.
The turbulence following the summer transfer window was always going to bring a transitional period. Financial constraints and injuries have stretched the squad thin, exposing tactical flaws and showing that some key players may no longer fit the system Howe wants to implement. There is a sense of stagnation creeping into the side, and to reignite momentum, change seems inevitable.
Among those under scrutiny are several senior figures whose form has dipped alarmingly. Sven Botman, once one of the most composed defenders in the Premier League, has struggled for consistency since returning from injury.
His positioning and timing were off during the defeat at Brentford, and while his youth and potential suggest recovery is possible, his recent displays have not been reassuring.
The same could be said of Newcastle’s full-backs Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn whose combined age of 68 reflects both experience and limitation. Their defensive awareness remains strong, but their lack of pace and attacking thrust has restricted Newcastle’s width and creativity.
Further up the pitch, the team’s wide options have not delivered either. Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga have both endured dry spells in front of goal, contributing neither goals nor assists so far in the league.
Their form has underlined just how much the side misses the dynamism of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, whose return could inject much-needed energy into the flanks.
As Howe and the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), look ahead to the January transfer window and beyond, one name continues to surface as a potential casualty of change: Joelinton.
Once hailed as a symbol of Newcastle’s rebirth under Howe, the Brazilian powerhouse appears to be approaching the twilight of his Magpies chapter.
Joelinton’s story is one of remarkable transformation. Signed from Hoffenheim as a forward, he initially struggled to justify his hefty price tag, lacking the composure and clinical edge expected of a Premier League striker.
Yet under Howe’s guidance, he reinvented himself as a tireless, combative midfielder a change that not only revitalized his career but also made him a fan favorite. His work rate, physical dominance, and leadership were crucial in Newcastle’s climb from mid-table mediocrity to Champions League qualification.
Content creator Adam Pearson even went as far as calling him a “club legend,” an acknowledgment of his influence on and off the pitch. With over 230 appearances across competitions and a key role in the club’s Carabao Cup success, Joelinton has indeed etched his name into Newcastle’s modern history. But football is ruthless, and sentimentality rarely wins games.
This season, Joelinton has struggled to replicate his usual intensity. His defensive sharpness has dulled, his pressing seems a step slower, and his attacking contributions have faded. Blogger Thomas Hammond recently hinted that this might be “the start of the end” for the Brazilian at Newcastle a sentiment that, while harsh, carries some truth.
The player’s physical style has taken a toll over the years, and with the team now needing more creativity and pace in midfield, it may be time for PIF to make a difficult decision and cash in before his value declines further.
The comparison to Moussa Sissoko feels eerily fitting. The Frenchman, a cult hero on Tyneside during his time between 2013 and 2016, was similarly dynamic but inconsistent.
His final season before joining Tottenham for £30 million saw flashes of brilliance overshadowed by erratic form a pattern Joelinton now seems to be following. Sissoko went on to revive his career briefly in London, and perhaps Joelinton too could rediscover his best elsewhere.
Replacing him would not be simple, but the club must think long-term. With Sandro Tonali set to return from suspension and Bruno Guimarães anchoring the midfield, there is an opportunity to introduce a younger, fresher presence someone capable of complementing their technical quality while maintaining the physical balance that defines Howe’s style.
Below is a breakdown of Howe’s most-used players at Newcastle, showing just how integral Joelinton has been to this era:
| Rank | Player | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno Guimarães | 170 |
| 2 | Dan Burn | 165 |
| 3 | Fabian Schär | 163 |
| 4 | Jacob Murphy | 150 |
| 5 | Joelinton | 145 |
Joelinton’s presence in this list speaks volumes about his importance to Howe’s system and the trust placed in him. Yet, even the most loyal servants must eventually make way for evolution.
As Newcastle prepare for a crucial period of rebuilding, this could be the moment for both the player and the club to move on.
Letting go of a figure like Joelinton will not be easy he represents passion, resilience, and the fighting spirit that has redefined Newcastle United in recent years. But football moves fast, and so must the team.
If PIF truly want to keep Newcastle on an upward trajectory, they may have to make the tough call now cash in on a legend before decline turns nostalgia into regret, and usher in a new era of energy, ambition, and progress on Tyneside.
