Newcastle United star explains why he was seen wearing another team’s shirt amid exit speculation
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has moved to clarify his recent appearance at Brazilian club Sport Recife’s training ground after photos of him wearing their shirt ignited speculation about his future.
The 28-year-old powerhouse, who has become a fan favorite at St James’ Park, found himself at the center of transfer rumors linking him with a potential move to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
The Brazilian international took to local media to explain his decision to train with his hometown club during the offseason. “This is part of my regular routine whenever I’m on vacation,” Joelinton told Jornal do Commercio.
“I’ve been coming here to train every season – it’s become something of a lucky charm for me. I’m always happy to be back home working on my fitness.” His comments should reassure Newcastle supporters concerned about the midfielder’s commitment to the club.
Joelinton’s presence at Sport Recife’s facilities raised eyebrows given the current speculation surrounding PIF-owned Saudi clubs’ interest in Newcastle players.
The Magpies have already experienced this pipeline firsthand, having sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli last summer before the winger’s subsequent loan to Fenerbahce.
More recently, rumors circulated about Bruno Guimarães potentially moving to Al-Hilal, though the Brazilian has since reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle.
The timing of Joelinton’s training session carries added significance as he looks to overcome the knee injury that hampered his performances toward the end of last season.
Playing through pain with heavy bandaging, the midfielder eventually succumbed to the issue and missed Newcastle’s crucial final matches, though the team still secured Champions League qualification without him.
His early return to fitness work demonstrates a professional approach as he prepares for what could be another grueling campaign on multiple fronts.
While reports suggest Newcastle have identified Atalanta’s Ederson as a potential replacement should Joelinton depart, the Brazilian’s explanation of his training regimen indicates he remains focused on his Tyneside future.
His connection to Sport Recife runs deep – the club gave him his professional debut before his move to Europe in 2015. These training sessions represent both a homecoming and an opportunity to maintain his conditioning in familiar surroundings.
For Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s supporters, Joelinton’s commitment to early preseason preparation bodes well.
The midfielder’s physical presence and tactical versatility have been crucial to the team’s success under Howe’s management.
His transformation from struggling forward to dominant midfield force epitomizes Newcastle’s resurgence since their 2021 takeover.
As the new season approaches, Joelinton appears determined to return fitter and stronger, potentially quietening the Saudi speculation through actions rather than words.
His explanation about the training photos serves as a reminder that in modern football, simple gestures can sometimes spark disproportionate reactions.
For now at least, Newcastle fans can take comfort in seeing one of their most passionate players already putting in the work ahead of another demanding campaign.