Late last night, The Mail’s Craig Hope dropped a big exclusive on Joelinton, claiming the Brazilian is at risk of being sold this summer if his salary demands do not come down.
The midfielder is thought to be in a ‘contract stand-off’ now he’s entered the final 18 months of his deal on Tyneside, demanding wages that would make him the club’s highest-paid player.
If a compromise isn’t found, Hope reports that he will be reluctantly sold this summer, as we could not afford to run down his contract and risk losing a player – currently valued at $42m by Transfermarkt – on a free at the end of next season.
Eddie Howe is ‘determined’ to keep him at the club and it’s hoped his season-ending injury will help him rethink our offer, which is said to be a ‘fair’ one.
So, do we need to panic or is this part of the process when it comes to a player in his contractual position? It was different with Bruno Guimaraes, who had longer to run on his deal before signing an extension in October, but it was reported for weeks that negotiations took time due to his initial demands.
It would be a huge blow to lose Joelinton; an absolute warrior who would be so difficult to replace. However, I also believe this is a common theme in contract talks, where the player’s camp will push for the best deal possible before a compromise is ultimately reached. We’ll just have to hope a breakthrough is achieved during his spell on the sidelines between now and May. I’m confident that happens.
🚨 Exclusive: Joelinton could have played last game for NUFC amid contract stand-off
🇧🇷 Surgery next week ruling him out for season
✍️ 18 months on deal but wage demands too high. Club would be forced to sell in summer if no resolution
🟢 @MailSport 👇https://t.co/eE1hnk7h5u
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) January 18, 2024
