Newcastle United could be heading towards a major decision in the January transfer window, with reports suggesting the club may be open to selling Joelinton despite Eddie Howe’s clear desire to keep him. Interest from the Saudi Pro League has returned, and this time there is a growing belief that a deal could actually be approved if the right conditions are met.
Joelinton’s journey at Newcastle has been anything but straightforward. When he arrived from Hoffenheim in 2019 for around £40 million, expectations were high. Signed as a centre-forward, he was expected to lead the line and deliver goals.
Instead, he endured a painful spell in front of goal, struggling badly for confidence and form. At one stage, his future at the club looked bleak, with fans questioning whether the transfer would ever make sense.
Everything changed when Eddie Howe took charge. Rather than giving up on Joelinton, Howe saw something different in him. He moved the Brazilian deeper into midfield and gave him a role that suited his energy, strength, and work rate.
The transformation was remarkable. Joelinton became an aggressive, box-to-box midfielder who could press, tackle, carry the ball, and set the tone in big matches. He went from a player under pressure to one of the first names on the team sheet.
That evolution is exactly why clubs in the Middle East have taken notice. Joelinton’s physical style, versatility, and experience make him an attractive option, and Saudi Pro League clubs have been monitoring him for some time.
According to reports, they are now ready to make another push to sign him in January, with Newcastle willing to listen to offers.
Joelinton is one of the club’s highest earners, reportedly taking home around £187,000 a week. Over the years, he has become a fan favourite for his passion and commitment, often lifting the crowd with crunching tackles and emotional celebrations.
His importance to the squad has never really been in doubt, but this season has raised new questions.
The current campaign has not been Joelinton’s strongest. While he has still contributed effort and leadership, others around him have begun to shine more brightly.
Bruno Guimarães continues to grow into one of the league’s best midfielders, while Sandro Tonali has impressed with his composure and quality. With those two setting the standard, Joelinton has found himself under closer scrutiny, and some critics feel he has lost a bit of his edge.
There are suggestions that Saudi clubs explored a deal last summer and made progress behind the scenes. Newcastle’s ownership group, PIF, are closely connected to the Saudi Pro League, and that relationship could make negotiations smoother.
Eddie Howe, however, is believed to be firmly against losing such an important player halfway through the season. For a manager trying to maintain balance and intensity in midfield, Joelinton’s exit would be a significant disruption.
That said, one possible compromise could change Howe’s stance. If the club’s owners commit to reinvesting the money into the squad, particularly by bringing in one or two new signings, the manager may be more open to the idea.
Newcastle already have younger midfield options like Lewis Miley, Joe Willock, and Jacob Ramsey, who could help cover the loss, especially if fresh faces arrive to add depth and quality.
From a broader perspective, this may be the right moment for Newcastle to consider cashing in. Joelinton turns 29 this year, and while he still has plenty to offer, signs of physical decline are natural at this stage.
At times this season, he has looked slightly slower, less dominant in duels, and not quite as sharp as before. Newcastle’s midfield is also evolving, with a greater emphasis on technical ability and control, areas where others may now fit better.
A big-money offer from Saudi Arabia could solve several problems at once. It would remove a high wage from the books, provide funds to strengthen other areas of the squad, and allow the club to refresh its midfield without major financial strain.
For supporters, a strong fee would make the decision easier to accept, especially given everything Joelinton has already given to the club.
Joelinton is under contract until 2028, which puts Newcastle in a strong position. His value is still high, and the club are not under pressure to sell.
That makes January a potential window of opportunity to secure maximum value rather than waiting until his form dips further or his contract situation changes.
While losing a player of his character would not be easy, football is often about timing. If Newcastle believe they are moving into a new phase and can adequately replace him, this winter could be the moment to act.
Whether Eddie Howe can be convinced remains to be seen, but the interest is real, the money could be significant, and the decision may shape Newcastle’s next chapter.
