TBR Football can exclusively reveal that clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including one owned by PIF, are interested in signing Newcastle United star Joelinton.
The Brazil international has been one of the Toon’s best players in recent years. He is a fan favourite at St James’ Park as well and is a key part of Eddie Howe’s squad.
oelinton missed the final few games of last season due to a knee injury, but he is expected to overcome that and be ready in time for the new season.
But, there are now a few doubts over whether he will be at Newcastle in August.
Al-Hilal and other Saudi clubs want to sign Joelinton from Newcastle United
TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that the Saudi Pro League are showing an interest in Newcastle United star Joelinton.
Joelinton is something of a legendary figure a St James’ Park and has been a key part of the club’s transformation under Eddie Howe. The 28-year-old, who turns 29 in August, has reinvented himself as a midfielder since Howe’s arrival, and he signed a new long-term deal last year.
However, TBR can now confirm that the Saudi Pro League have added Joelinton to their list of targets. A host of clubs are keen, including Al-Hilal, and they are ready to test Newcastle’s resolve with a ‘significant’ offer as they look to make a big impact in this summer’s transfer window.
Al-Hilal are one of four Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the People’s Investment Fund (PIF), who are also the owners of Newcastle United.
Given that PIF have a substantial interest in the Pro League too, it is hard to imagine that there isn’t an understanding of the situation from both sides.
However, as it stands, Newcastle have little intention of selling Joelinton, and club sources have told TBR that they don’t need to make a big sale due to PSR – an issue that beset them last summer.
Indeed, should the Pro League put a substantial offer on the table, it remains to be seen whether there is a price that Newcastle would consider.
The Toon have thus far insisted that they would not need to sell, but that has not stopped interest emerging in a number of their first-team squad, including Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento.
What Eddie Howe once said about selling Joelinton before he signed a new Newcastle contract
Joelinton isn’t new to speculation linking him with a move away from Newcastle United.
The Brazilian entered the final 18 months of his contract in January 2024, and there was a genuine chance of him leaving the club.
Howe himself admitted at the time that Joelinton could leave, but he made it clear that he wanted him to stay.
He said, as per the BBC: “He has 18 months left on his contract, so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer (of 2024).
“I’m not a fortune teller, but it’s a possibility. I hope that’s not the case. I want him to stay. I love him as a person and player. But before a player signs a contract, he has to be happy with everything, and we are not there yet.”
