Newcastle United appear determined to keep Joelinton at the heart of their rebuild, with the Brazilian expected to take on an even greater leadership role once he returns from injury.
That matters because Newcastle’s squad has changed dramatically in a short space of time.
Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali both left during the summer, while Matthias Jaissle has inherited a younger group that now needs experienced figures to help set standards inside the dressing room.
Newcastle plan to keep Joelinton beyond January
Matthias Jaissle, Head Coach of Newcastle United with Joelinton (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
According to Football Insider, Newcastle have no intention of selling Joelinton in January despite previous links with the Saudi Pro League.
The 30-year-old was named vice-captain before the season began, with Dan Burn taking the armband following Guimarães’ departure.
Newcastle have since gone a step further by confirming a new five-man leadership group featuring Burn, Joelinton, Malick Thiaw, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley. That official announcement underlines just how important Joelinton still is to Jaissle’s plans.
His absence has also been noticeable. Newcastle confirmed he was unavailable for the recent win over Hull City, with the squad stretched by a long injury list.
Joelinton already knows the demands of the club better than almost anyone in the current squad.
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Joelinton’s experience is now more valuable than ever
(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Keeping Joelinton makes sense because Newcastle are no longer dealing with the same dressing room they had a year ago.
Tonali joined Tottenham in July, while Guimarães also moved on during a summer of major transition. At the same time, Newcastle recruited several younger players, including Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Touré.
That makes Joelinton’s role about more than…
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