Newcastle United handed further transfer conundrum as key man eyes Saudi Arabia move
A Newcastle United midfielder has reportedly told the Magpies he wants to leave St James Park during the summer transfer window.
Incoming Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has reportedly been handed an early headache with reports suggesting Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is keen to end his time at St James Park.
The Al-Ahli head coach is expected to be confirmed as Eddie Howe’s successor over the next 24 hours after United agreed a £9.4m compensation deal with the Saudi Pro League club - and that could mean he will link up with the Magpies squad that has travelled to Spain for a training camp on Friday.
The future of club captain Bruno Guimaraes remains uncertain amid ongoing speculation suggesting Arsenal are preparing a bid for his services - and the coming days will be key as the Brazil star’s extended summer break has now come to an end. Speaking in the aftermath of Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat at Bristol City in what was the final game of his five-year reign on Tyneside, Howe addressed the talk of a possible exit for the Magpies talisman and his possible return to training.
He said: "I've said many times we want players who are committed and Bruno has always been committed. His training performances and his game performances have been outstanding, every time he's worn the shirt, he's played with the fans by his side. I'd love to see that continue. The details I don't actually know but I don’t see any reason why he wouldn't be back (for training) on Friday. We want to keep all of our best players. They’re so valuable. I’ve said numerous times, there’s not many of them, so to get them and develop them, when you have them, you want to keep them. Bruno’s very much in that category, he’s an outstanding player.”
Decision
With news awaited on the next steps for their club captain and manager, there are further concerns for the Magpies hierarchy after reports from the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope suggested Joelinton informed United of his desire to pursue a move to the Saudi Pro League in the weeks after last season came to an end. The former Hoffenheim star joined the Magpies in a club record deal during the summer of 2019 and has become a key figure within their squad after being transformed from a misfiring striker into an all-action midfielder.
The 29-year-old has two years remaining on his current Newcastle deal and that means there is a big decision to be made over his future ahead of the new season. Should he and Guimaraes leave, the Magpies would be faced with taking further steps in the complete overhaul of their midfield options with the Brazilian duo and Italy international Sandro Tonali all departing. Young duo Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have arrived from Ajax and Monaco respectively over the last month - and further departures would surely mean the Magpies hierarchy would have to look to add experience to the heart of their side, no matter who is in charge on day one of the Premier League season.
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